Car Rental and Driving Rules in Portugal: How to Avoid Fines and Problems During Your Trip

Are you planning to rent a car in Portugal and want to check whether your driving licence is valid, understand which rules may result in a fine and know what to avoid on Portuguese roads? This article is for you.

Find out which conditions apply to foreign driving licences and which situations require extra attention during your trip, from roundabouts and speed cameras to parking and driving outside Portugal.

What driving licence do I need to rent a car in Portugal?

To rent a car in Portugal, you must present an original, valid driving licence that matches the category of the vehicle booked.

At Drivalia, the vehicle may only be driven by the renter or by drivers named in the rental agreement, provided they have held a driving licence for more than 12 months.

The minimum age is generally 25, although some vehicle categories may be driven from the age of 23 with the young driver surcharge.

When collecting the vehicle, you must present:

• Your original, valid driving licence;
• An identification document;
• An International Driving Permit, where applicable.

If your licence uses non-Latin characters, as may be the case with licences issued in Japan, China, Russia or some Arabic-speaking countries, you must also present an international driving permit. This document complements your original licence and must be provided when collecting the vehicle.

For tourists, it is not usually necessary to apply for licence equivalence or exchange a driving licence in Portugal. This mainly applies to residency situations.

If you have any doubts before travelling, check that your licence is valid, that it is suitable for the vehicle you have booked and whether you need an International Driving Permit.

Which Driving Rules in Portugal Can Cause the Most Confusion When Renting a Car?

Basic driving rules may seem similar to those in your home country, but there are situations that customers discover too late: entering a roundabout in the wrong lane, receiving a fine after returning the vehicle or taking the car to Spain without prior authorisation.

Roundabout Priority: A Rule That Requires Attention

At Drivalia Mobility Stores, questions about driving on roundabouts are common, especially among customers driving in Portugal for the first time.

Drivers entering a roundabout must give way to vehicles already circulating on it. Choose your lane according to the exit you intend to take and the road signs in place, indicating your change of direction in advance.

If you realise you are in the wrong lane, avoid sudden braking or abrupt changes of direction. Continue around the roundabout and take a safe alternative exit.

Motorways: Pay Attention to Driving Direction and Lane Use

In Portugal, vehicles drive on the right and overtake on the left. This rule may require some adjustment for customers who are used to driving on the left.

On motorways, use the left lane only to overtake and return to the right once you have completed the manoeuvre.

You should also always check the direction indicated by road signs, particularly at access roads, roundabouts, car parks and in urban areas. Entering a road in the wrong direction is a serious offence and poses significant risks to everyone in the vehicle.

Parking: Even a Quick Stop Can Result in a Fine

Some customers believe they can stop for “just two minutes” outside a hotel, restaurant or tourist attraction. In Portugal, parking in a second row, on the pavement, in a loading and unloading area or in a reserved space may result in a fine.

Before leaving the vehicle, always check:

• Whether there is a parking meter and the applicable payment hours;
• Whether the space is reserved for residents, people with reduced mobility or loading and unloading;
• Whether the vehicle blocks a garage, pedestrian crossing or the movement of other vehicles;
• Whether stopping or parking is allowed in that location.

To find out more, read our article on parking in Portugal with a rental car.

Speed Cameras: Do Not Rely on Your GPS App Alone

In Portugal, you may encounter fixed and mobile speed cameras, as well as average speed control systems.

For this reason, you should not rely solely on your GPS app: speed limits vary depending on the road and can change quickly in urban areas, tunnels, roadworks, city access roads or inland routes.

Always pay close attention to road signs.

A speeding offence may be reported after the vehicle has been returned and may result in the administrative charges set out in the rental agreement for handling the offence.

Can I Take My Rental Car to Spain?

This is an important question for customers planning to visit southern Spain, travel between Porto and Galicia, or include another European country in their itinerary.

Driving outside Portugal is not automatically included in the rental. You need Drivalia’s express authorisation and must arrange the cross-border travel service in advance.

Taking the vehicle outside Portuguese territory without this authorisation may result in a penalty, in addition to the costs associated with the service.

Before starting your journey, make sure you follow these driving rules:

• Drive on the right and overtake on the left;
• Follow the direction of travel and local road signs;
• Do not rely solely on GPS to monitor your speed;
• Do not cross the border with the vehicle without prior authorisation;
• Enter roundabouts in the lane appropriate for the exit you intend to take;
• Contact Drivalia roadside assistance in the event of an accident, breakdown or other unexpected situation;
• Avoid parking in a second row, on pavements, in reserved areas or in locations where valid payment has not been made.

Car Rental: Follow the Rules and Avoid Unexpected Costs

During your rental, follow road signs, pay close attention to roundabouts, avoid stopping or parking in prohibited areas and respect speed limits. These decisions help protect everyone in the vehicle and avoid fines or charges related to the rental.

At Drivalia, we want you to drive in Portugal with confidence and peace of mind, from vehicle collection to return. By understanding the main rules before starting your trip, you reduce the risk of unexpected situations and make the most of every journey.