• 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.

SPEED LIMITS

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

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IN BUILT-UP AREAS50 km/h (31 mph)

OUTSIDE BUILT-UP AREAS90 km/h (55 mph) or 100 km/h (62 mph)

ON MOTORWAYS (MAXIMUM)120 km/h (74 mph)

ON MOTORWAYS (MINIMUM)50 km/h (31 mph)