Car Rental Portugal

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PORTUGAL

 Portugal shares the Iberian peninsula at the south-western tip of Europe with Spain. Geographically and culturally somewhat isolated from its neighbour, Portugal has a rich, unique culture, lively cities and beautiful countryside. Although it was once one of the poorest countries in Western Europe, the end of dictatorship and introduction of Democracy in 1974, as well as its incorporation into the European Union in 1986, has meant significantly increased prosperity. It may now be one of the best value destinations on the Continent. This is because the country offers outstanding landscape diversity, due to its North-South disposition along the western shore of the Iberian peninsula. You can travel in a single day from green mountains in the North, covered with vines and all varieties of trees to rocky mountains, with spectacular slopes and falls in the Centre, to a near-desert landscape in the Alentejo region and finally to the glamorous beach holidays destination Algarve. The climate, combined with investments in the golfing infrastructure in recent years, has also turned the country into a golfing haven. Portugal was recently named "Best Golf Destination 2008" by readers of Golfers Today, a British publication. Fourteen of Portugal's courses are rated in the top 100 best in Europe. If you want a condensed view of European landscapes, culture and way of life, Portugal might very well fit the bill.

 Driving Tips in Portugal:

Rules & Regulations

Here are some rules and driving tips that you should make yourself aware of before you start your road trip in Portugal:

• When driving in Portugal remember that you have to drive on the right hand side of the road.
• Compulsory for front and rear seat occupants to wear seat belts, if fitted.
• Children under 12 and less than 1.50m in height cannot travel as front seat passengers. They must travel in the rear in a special restraint system adapted to their size, unless the vehicle has only two seats, or is not fitted with seat belts. Children under 3 can be seated in the front passenger seat if using a suitable child restraint however, the airbag must be switched off if using a rear-facing child restraint system.
• You must be aged 17 or older, however visitors under the age of 18 years may encounter problems even though they hold a valid UK licence.
• Drinking and driving limits - If the level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.05 per cent to 0.08 per cent, you could face a fine and withdrawal of the driving licence for a minimum of one month to a maximum of one year; more than 0.08 per cent, fine and withdrawal of driving licence for a minimum of two months up to a maximum of two years. The police are also empowered to carry out testing on drivers for narcotics.
• Use of dipped headlights is compulsory in poor daytime visibility and in tunnels.
• Third-party insurance is compulsory.
• Use of mobile phones when driving is illegal in Portugal and subject to a fine of up to € 600.00.

Please make sure that you are aware of all the road regulations before you start your trip in Portugal.

 Speed Limits

The standard legal limits for driving in Portugal, which may be varied by signs, for private vehicles without trailers are as follows:

• In built-up areas 31 mph (50 km/h)
• Outside built-up areas 55 mph (90 km/h) or 62 mph (100 km/h)
• On motorways 74 mph (120 km/h)
• The minimum speed on motorways 31 mph (50 km/h)
• Motorists who have held a driving licence for less than one year must not exceed 55 mph (90 km/h) or any lower speed limit.

Things to Bring Along

Here are some of the essential pieces of equipment and documentation that you should take along with you when driving in Portugal

• It is a legal requirement when driving in Portugal that everyone carries photographic proof of identity at all times.
• Reflective jackets are compulsory for residents and recommended for visitors.
• Temporary Electronic Toll Device (DEM) or Pre-Paid Tolls – A DEM or the prepayment of tolls is required, before using many motorways in Portugal.
• Carrying a warning triangle recommended as the use of hazard warning lights or a warning triangle is compulsory in an accident/breakdown situation. A warning triangle is compulsory for vehicles registered in Portugal.

Additional Information

With so much on offer in Portugal you’ll be spoilt for choice when driving around in your Sixt car rental. Make sure your first stop is the capital city of Lisbon, right near the Atlantic coast, so that you are only a short drive away from many sunny beaches. For a bit of history and culture check out the Castelo Sao Jorg where you’ll get a great view of the city or the Se Catedral dating back to 1147.

When using your Sixt car rental in Portugal you might also want to drive around Porto, another fantastic city next to the coast with some dazzling architecture and famous for its great wine. With many other locations around Portugal you will always be near a Sixt car rental branch helping you to get the most out of your road trip.

Now you have read our tips for driving in Portugal why not read of the other countries we have covered including Denmark, Russia andSwitzerland.

* Please note: All information was correct at the time of publication.