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Vehicles & Driving in Portugal
In Portugal, drive on the right hand side of the road, and overtake on the left.
The minimum driving age in Portugal is 17 years.
All occupants of a vehicle must wear seatbelts whilst travelling, in the front and rear of the vehicle.
Children under 12 years must not travel in the front seat of a vehicle.
Speed Limits:
Speeds in Portugal are measured in kilometres per hour (kph).
Motorways - 120kph/74mph (minimum speed 40kph/24mph)
Open roads - 90kph/55mph
Urban areas - 50kph/31mph
Cars that are towing are restricted to 100kph/62mph on motorways and 70kph/43mph on open roads.
Fuel:
Petrol = Gasolina
Unleaded Petrol = Gasolina sem chumbo
Diesel = Gasóleo
Driving in Portugal as a Tourist
Permanent Importation of Motor Vehicles
Motor Vehicle Documentation
Road Tax
IPO (MOT) Testing and Certificates
Buying a Car in Portugal
Motorway Tolls & Via Verde
News
Links
Driving in Portugal as a Tourist
Tourism: Temporary Admission of Motor Vehicles
As a tourist, you may keep your vehicle in Portugal for a maximum of 180 days in any 12 month period, provided it is for your own private use and you do not loan it to anyone else during that period. Do not depart leaving your vehicle unaccompanied. If you do, you may be subject to a fine. If your stay exceeds 180 days or you intend to take-up residence in Portugal, you must apply for the permanent importation of your vehicle to the nearest office of the Direcção-Geral das Alfândegas (Customs authority) as soon as possible after your arrival.
An EU-registered motor vehicle (including light goods vehicles, trailers, caravans, motorhomes and motorcycles) may be kept in Portugal for a continuous period of up to 180 days in any one calendar year, provided the following conditions are met:
The vehicle is registered in the name of a person who is not resident in Portugal;
The vehicle is brought into Portugal by its registered owner or keeper;
The vehicle is for private use only;
The vehicle is only driven by its registered owners or keepers provided they are neither established, resident nor employed in Portugal, and
The vehicle's owner or keeper is in possession of the vehicle registration documents for production when necessary to the competent authority.
Driving a UK Registered Car Abroad
It is illegal to use your car abroad without paying for a British licence unless you have applied to export the vehicle. You can only do this if it is to be out of the country for more than 12 months. To apply for export you must use the relevant section on your V5.
The DVLA now has an automated system of fines which will accrue against you should you fail to tax your car for whatever reason (including an automatic £80 fine if you are later than 11.00am on the first day of the month the car tax is due).
If your vehicle is out of the country but remains registered in the UK you must ensure that it is licenced for the duration of your stay abroad.
If you need to relicence your vehicle before or while you are abroad you should apply by post on form V10 - download from www.direct.gov.uk/motoring. This should be sent to a main Motor Vehicle Licencing Issuing Post Office up to 2 months before the licence is due to start. (telephone the Post Office +44 (0) 845 722 3344 for addresses of Post Offices which issue licences). You must give an address for where the licence is to be sent - this can be a foreign address if applicable, but you must enter your British address on the V10.
A foreign MOT certificate is not acceptable.
Your car insurance certificate must of course be sent along with your cheque and up to date MOT certificate.
It is illegal to apply for SORN and then drive your car even if it is out of the UK. Heavy fines will be applied.
Permanent Importation of Vehicles
If you are taking up Portuguese residency
You may import a motor vehicle tax-free, provided that:
The vehicle is for private use only;
The registered owner of the vehicle is transferring his residence from another EU member state where he has been resident for at least 185 days;
The vehicle was purchased fully tax-paid in its registered owner's former country of residence;
The vehicle has been used by its registered owner in his former country of residence for at least six months.
Motor Vehicle Importation Procedure:
In order to import a vehicle, you should submit an application within a maximum of 12 months of arrival, to the customs office with jurisdiction over your area of residence:
Leiria, Lisbon, Portalegre and Santarém:
Alfândega de Lisboa
Jardim do Tabaco
Avenida Infante D Henriques
1100-280 Lisboa
Tel.: 21 881 4100
Fax: 21 886 8898
Braga, Bragança, Guarda, Porto, Viana do Castelo and Vila Real:
Alfândega do Freixieiro
Estrada Nacional 107
Perafita
4405 Matosinhos
Tel.: 22 999 9680/9690
Fax: 22 996 0725
Aveiro, Coimbra, Castelo Branco, Guarda and Viseu:
Alfândega de Aveiro
Edifício TIRTIFE, Lugar de Moinhos
3801-301 Aveiro
Tel.: 23 442 3350
Fax: 23 438 1062
The application should be submitted with:
The vehicle's logbook and its instruction manual or catalogue;
A certificate of compliance or Form 1402 issued by the Direcção-Geral de Viação (Portuguese DVLA) confirming that the vehicle has undergone an inspection;
Your passport;
Your driver's licence;
Your residence permit or evidence that you have applied for a residence permit or a declaration from your local Parish Council ("Junta de Freguesia") confirming that you are resident whithin the jurisdiction;
Your taxpayer's identification card, together with 3-years' original tax returns or a declaration from the tax office in your area of residence attesting to the amount of income earned in Portugal over the previous three years;
A certificate of cancellation of residence issued by the competent authority in your former country of residence. (If, as in Britain, there is no such authority, the Consulate will issue a certificate on production of your residence permit or evidence that an application has been made for a residence permit, your British passport and evidence that you lived - as a permanent resident - in your former country of residence for at least six months prior to arrival in Portugal.)
The authorities may ask for further documentation, as necessary, so it is advisable to contact them first for an application form, a list of the supporting documents required and the applicable fees.
Once your application has been formally submitted, the customs authorities may issue a limited-validity authorisation ("guia de circulação") which will enable you to use your vehicle while the application is under consideration.
A motor vehicle that has been imported in this way may not be sold, loaned, pledged or hired for a period of 12 months following importation. In addition, it may only be driven by its registered owners or keepers and their immediate family. Only one vehicle may be imported tax-free per person once every five years.
Motor Vehicle Documentation
All vehicles in Portugal are required to have:
Titulo de Registo de Propriedade
Ownership Registration Document
Issued by the Conservatória do Registo Automóvel (Vehicle Registration Office);
Livrete
Vehicle Registration Document
Issued by the Direcção-Geral de Viação (Portuguese Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).
Road Tax
Imposto Municipal sobre Veículos
This is purchased annually during the month of June from local tax offices, selected newsagents, and online from the Finanças website. The cost varies depending on the age and cubic capacity of the vehicle. As in Britain, the tax stamp must be displayed in the upper right hand corner of the vehicle's windscreen, and
Insurance
Seguros
All vehicles must have at least third party insurance cover. The insurance company will provide an insurance stamp for display in the lower right-hand corner of the vehicle's windscreen, at the time the policy is issued.
These documents, as well as the driver's ID and licence, should be carried at all times for production to the authorities on request.
Road Tax
Online Application
Online applications are possible in May/June when road tax payments are due.
First, you need to get a senha (password) to enable you to log in to the Finanças website.
Then go to the Finanças website
www.e-financas.gov.pt
Log into the website with your Numero de Contribuinte and Senha.
Click on "Liquidação/Pagamento do Imposto Municipal sobre Veículos" and you will be presented with a page of script which is describing the procedure to you. (At the bottom of the page is a button marked "Continuar". Click this and you will be see an information box, which is telling you that when you have completed the process you will be presented with a PDF pop up and that you should disable any Pop up blocker which you have activated in order to receive this. The PDF is important, as it gives you the payment details which you will need to complete the process.) Click "OK" and then disable your Pop up blocker if active.
You will then be presented with the details of the vehicles which Finanças have on record as being owned by you. Tick the box which applies to the vehicle which you wish to apply for and click on the button marked "Emitir".
You will be presented with a box which asks you to confirm that the mailing details which Finanças holds for you are still current. If the details are correct click "OK" to proceed. (If these details are not correct you will need to update your information before you can proceed, as the vehicle licence will be sent to that address which they hold on file for you. Do this by using the "Alterar Morada" option on the home page.)
This will then provide you with the previously described PDF with payment details. You can pay by Multibanco, Internet banking, and of course by post (CTT) or at your local Finanças office. If you choose to pay by Multibanco or Internet banking, you will need to use the number in the box marked Referência para Pagamento and if you pay by post or at Finanças you should provide copies of the PDF for their reference.
Multibanco payments
Print a copy of the Payment Certificate which was presented in PDF, so that you have the payment reference with you. At the Multibanco machine select Pagamentos and follow the
instructions on the screen, choosing the "Pagamentos ao Estado" option and then insert the number stated on the PDF form.
Internet banking
If you choose to pay by internet banking, in the box marked "Tipo Pagamento" select "Pagamentos ao Estado". If the drop down menu does not yet give you "I.M. Veiculos" as an option, as for example with BPI Internet Banking, choose "Outros Impostos" which should take you to the required section and ask for the type of payment you wish to make, which is Imposto Municipal sobre Veículos. This is where you will need the reference number from the PDF form.
IPO (MOT) Testing and Certificates
IPO (Inspecção Periódica Obrigatória) testing is compulsory in Portugal for all vehicles over four years old. Cars aged 4-7 years must be tested every two years and thereafter every year. The test must be carried out at an approved garage. The garage is required to request the vehicle's ownership document (Titulo de Registo de Propriedade), its logbook (Livrete) and the owner's taxpayer's identification card before carrying out the test.
What is inspected?
The tests carried out during the inspection assess the security of the vehicle to ensure that it is in a good enough condition to circulate on the public highway. The inspection starts by confirming the vehicle identity (model, registration number, motor and chassis numbers, and tyre sizes). There is then a series of tests that include:
level of noise, exhaust emissions, and oil leakage;
lights (intensity and orientation);
body work and interior (corrosion and other damage);
visibility (mirrors and wipers);
equipment (seat belts, warning triangle, horn, speedometer);
brakes and braking power;
steering and alignment;
excessive play in the suspension, steering and axles;
wheels and tyres.
Where to carry out the test:
Officially approved independent testing centres carry out the roadworthiness inspections. You can use any test centre. They are indicated by road signs marked "Centro de Inspecções Obrigatórias - IPO" and are listed in the yellow pages under "Automóveis - Inspecção" and on the www.dgv.pt. Tests usually need to be booked in advance, but some centres will accept casual callers.
Preparing for the inspection:
The test centre will need to see the vehicle registration document (livrete) and the vehicle ownership document (título de registo de propriedade), and will need your tax registration number (número de contribuinte). The charge is about €25. If the vehicle is in good condition, the only preparation needed may be a good clean to make the inspection easier to do and to allow the inspectors to confirm the identification numbers easily. Older vehicles may need more preparation. Many garages will prepare vehicles for the inspection and even deliver and collect them from the test centre. This can be a convenient time for the annual service.
Results of the inspection:
Vehicles with only minor deficiencies (maximum of 7) that need repairs before the next inspection date will be issued with a certificate but if stopped by the authorities can be fined.
If the car fails the test the owner will be issued with a red provisional certificate. There are two degrees of deficiencies 1) 2nd degree (a maximum of 30 days is given to complete all necessary repairs, 2) 3rd degree (these vehicles can not be driven from the inspection centre, they must be towed to a garage until repairs have been completed). Should a further test be required this must be undertaken and the test date will be indicated on the certificate issued.
A stamp confirming that the vehicle has undergone (and passed) the test should be displayed below the insurance stamp, in the lower right-hand corner of the vehicle's windscreen.
Buying a car in Portugal
Purchasing a car in Portugal is generally a lot easier process than importing, and dealers are more likely to have parts in stock for models they frequently sell than for models imported from other countries.
New car from a dealer:
A dealer with a new vehicle in stock should be able to put you on the road within 1-2 days. They should provide the necessary documentation (temporary documents substituting the livrete and título de registo de propriedade), their sales receipt, and the manufacturer's guarantee. You will also need compulsory motor insurance. The dealer will normally arrange for issue of the official documents (livrete and título de registo de propriedade), which should be sent to you within the validity of your temporary documents.
Second hand vehicles and documentation:
The minimum documentation required for sale of a used vehicle is the livrete, título de registo de propriedade, and a completed form for registration of the change of ownership (Requerimento - declaração para registo de propriedade / contrato verbal de compra e venda, modelo 2). The local civil registry (Conservatória do Registo Civil) provides this form. Other documents worth consulting are the road worthiness inspection certificate (IPO), and the service record (Livro de Revisões). A formal receipt of sale, giving the details of the car, the seller and the buyer with annexed photocopies of the livrete and título de registo de propriedade, is also advisable, as is a written sales contract to clarify the terms of sale. Your lawyer could draw up a simple contract for you.
The form to register change of ownership (contrato verbal de compra e venda, literally verbal contract for sale and purchase) needs to be completed and signed by both the buyer and the seller. It identifies the vehicle, the previous owner, the new owner, and whether there are any reservations on the transfer of ownership (outstanding payments or partial ownership). The signatures do not need to be notarised if both buyer's and seller's identification are shown when the form is deposited at the civil registry, this should be a Passport or Identity Card. Normally payment of the registration fees may be by cheque.
Legally the new purchaser is responsible for registration of the change of ownership within 30 days of the sale. However, if this is not done the seller remains the registered owner and may be liable for accident damage or traffic fines incurred by the new owner. It is therefore advisable for both the seller and buyer to register the change of ownership at the time of sale. This can be done at the same time as exchange of payment for the keys and documentation. The buyer will need his or her own vehicle insurance before driving. When you purchase a new car against the trade-in of a used vehicle, the dealer will ask you to sign the change of ownership registration form and to hand over the traded-in vehicle documents and keys. Ideally, the dealer should sign and register the form as purchaser. However, they may ask you to sign the form with the purchaser's name left open, for completion when they find a final buyer.
Transfer of Documents
To transfer vehicle documents into your name you need to go to the local Conservatória. Both the purchaser and the seller need to complete a form along with providing ID, the old documents. The buyer is responsible for the cost of transferring documents into their name (circa 70 euros).
You can also download and print off the form from www.dgrn.mj.pt/impres/impauto31Out.asp - click on "Modelo nº2". Make sure you print the 2 sides on one sheet (back and front) and not on two separate pages (which the conservatória won't accept). The Conservatória will give you a stamped document valid for a period of 120 days to confirm that you have applied for the new documents, in case the police stop you. If after 120 days you still haven't received a notice to collect the new documents, go back to the Conservatória and query if it is there and if not they will stamp another document for you.
Motorway Tolls & Via Verde
Toll roads in Portugal:
A1 Lisboa to Santarem
A1 Santarem to Fatima
A1 Fatima to Coimbra
A1 Coimbra to Aveiro
A1 Aveiro to Porto
A2 Lisboa to Marateca
A3 Porto to Braga
A4 Porto to Amarante
A5 Lisboa to Cascais
A6 Marateca to Montemor-o-Novo
A8 Lisboa to Torres Vedras
Most Portuguese motorways are operated by private companies and thus tolls are charged for using them. The largest operator, BRISA (Auto-estradas de Portugal S.A) has introduced a system of automatic payment for tolls - "Via Verde".
Via Verde users need to have a Multibanco card (or a credit card that works with the Multibanco system). Once you have joined the scheme, you will receive a vehicle identification unit that glues to the windscreen. When the vehicle drives through the Via Verde toll lane, detectors recognise the vehicle and the system automatically charges the toll to the Multibanco card. Some users gain a discount through using the Via Verde scheme. Via Verde may also be used at many carparks and galp petrol stations.
Joining the scheme costs 14.99 euros - call free-phone 0800 206 006 for information in English.
www.viaverde.pt
News
New vehicle tax?
The Portugal News, 26 August 2006
Reports this week have suggested that the government is set to introduce a new revised road vehicle tax system, which should come into effect in 2007. While no clarity has been revealed on the new proposed tax, vehicle associations, who have lambasted governments in recent years over vehicle taxation policies, have expressed optimism that the new system will be more beneficial to the consumer.
Links
BRISA
Auto-estradas de Portugal S.A - Portugal's largest private motorway operator
www.brisa.pt
ACP
Autómovel Club de Portugal (Portugal Automobile Club)
www.acp.pt
Why Driving in Portugal is so Dangerous
Portcult - Portuguese Culture Web
www.portcult.com
Vehicle Insurance in Portugal
Abbeygate Insurance - English Language
www.abbeygateinsurance.com
PLEASE NOTE: We do our best to keep the information on this site correct and up-to-date, however we advise that you check current rules and regulations specific to your individual circumstances with the relevant authorities/professionals and/or a solicitor.
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Registered in England no: 5123198.
Registered Office: 93 North Street, Burwell, Cambridge, CB25 0BB, United Kingdom.
