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Driving in Portugal | Changes to Highway Code from Jan 1st 2014
The new Portuguese Highway Code (Código da Estrada) came into effect on January 1st 2014, introducing more than 60 amendments which apply to drivers and cyclists, including new speed limits, reduced blood/alcohol limits, and new rules for circulation on roundabouts.
Some of the new rules have caused much discussion; while others are an affirmation of what many people thought they had to do anyway. The relevant legislation is Decree Law 72/2013 of 3rd September 2013 which is the 13th amendment since the Code was first established in 1994. Here is a summary of the most important changes to know about. Get more information in http://lisbon.angloinfo.com
Car documents – Fiscal Id Card | If stopped by the police you must present the usual documents: driving licence, identity document and insurance papers. That’s normal, but there is a new rule which requires the fiscal ID card (cartão de contribuinte) if the number is not mentioned on the identity document presented and the driver is resident in Portugal.
Fine is between 60 and 300 euros, unless you present the document within the following 8 days – in which case the fine is reduced to a maximum of 150 euros.
Roundabouts | Drivers must give way to traffic already on the roundabout, whichever lane they are in. Occupy the right-hand (outside) lane if you are taking the first exit. If taking any other exit you should only occupy the outside lane after passing the exit immediately prior to the one you wish to take. Move progressively towards the outside lane, taking the appropriate precautions when changing lanes.If you use the right-hand lane, with no intention of taking the first exit, you risk a fine of between 60 and 300 euros.
Mobiles and Headphones | If you are not using Handsfree phones, then only single earphone equipment is permitted.
Whereas before equipment with two earphones was allowed - as long as only one earphone was used – this is now expressly forbidden while driving.
Cyclists | Anyone arriving at an intersection from the right now has priority, either vehicle or a bicycle, ending the give way rule for cyclists. Cyclists will no longer be confined to cycle paths (ciclovias) and drivers must ensure a minimum distance of 1.5m from the cyclist and reduce speed when overtaking. Two cyclists can now ride side by side, in parallel.
Vulnerable road Users | The new Code introduces the concept of “Vulnerable Road Users”. There was previously no specific definition in the legislation for the Highway Code for Pedestrians, Cyclists, pregnant women, handicapped people, the elderly and children. Drivers have a duty to ensure that their behaviour does not endanger the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, as well as other Vulnerable Road Users.
Coexistence Zones | Elsewhere in Europe these are known as Homezones. Defined as an area of the public highway specifically designated as for sharing between vehicles and pedestrians where special traffic regulations will apply.
Alcohol | There is a reduced blood/alcohol limit of 0.2g/l for recent drivers (regime probatório i.e. licensed to drive for less than 3 years) and professional drivers.
Child Safety Seats | The required height has been lowered to 1.35m - at which it is no longer compulsory to use these seats. 12 years of age has been retained if shorter than 1.35m.
