Road Transport Operations Portugal

Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic is a country located mostly on the Iberian Peninsula, in southwestern Europe. It is the westernmost sovereign state of mainland Europe, being bordered to the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean and to the north and east by Spain. Portugal has a population of circa 10.2 million inhabitants and it's capital city is Lisbon.

Cabotage

UK operators may carry loads to, from or through the country. Loads can be carried between third countries by UK Operators if:

The load was in transit through the UK
The third country is another EU member state

Cabotage is permitted.

Dangerous Goods

Portugal is party to ADR. It is essential that fully completed ADR documentation is prepared for the movement of dangerous goods. All vehicles carrying Dangerous Goods must use dipped headlights at all times.

ADR Bridge/Tunnel Restrictions

All vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are prohibited from carrying dangerous goods every day (Monday to Sunday) from 05:00 to 02:00 on the following day on 25 Abril Bridge - there are no derogations.

For further information, visit the UNECE website at the link below & select the country name applicable - http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/adr/country-info_e.html

Abnormal Loads

Vehicles exceeding the weights and dimensions below must apply for a special authorisation at least 30 days prior to movement.

All abnormal load operators will require a keeper’s certificate to prove ownership of the trailer which must be carried as part of the vehicle documents at all times.
An application form can be downloaded below:

Keepers Trailer Certificate Abloads (pdf, 0.7 MB)

Taxation

Fuel carried in the 'running tank(s)' can be imported duty-free.

Customs

TIR Carnets are accepted for vehicles crossing Portugal. ATA Carnets are accepted for certain temporary imports. CMR notes are advised.

Movement Restrictions

There are local driving/loading and unloading restrictions, especially in Lisbon. However, there are no HGV Bans at weekends or on Public Holidays.

Low Emission Zones

There is only one LEZ in Portugal which is for Lisbon and affects all vehicles. The scheme is enforced through cameras and number plate recognition, visit link below -https://www.urbanaccessregulations.eu/countries-mainmenu-147/portugal

Public Holidays

The following dates are for the official public holidays in Portugal.

January 1 - New Year’s Day
April 10 - Good Friday
April 12 - Easter Sunday
April 25 – Freedom Day
May 01 - Labour Day
June 10 – Portugal Day
June 11 - Corpus Christi
August 15 – Assumption Day
October 05 – Republic Day
November 01 – All Saints Day
December 01 – Restoration of Independence
December 08 – Immaculate Conception Day
Friday 25 - Christmas Day

Please note that there are also 8 regional holidays.

Road Tolls

A closed toll system with entrances and exits is used on the motorways in Portugal. The toll is calculated on the basis of the distance of the route covered (entrance and exit) and the categorisation of the vehicle. This in turn is made on the basis of the number of axles and the height of the vehicle.

In Portugal, the toll system is electronic, which means you need to have an OBU (On-Board Unit) placed in the windscreen of the vehicle. Similar to other methods of toll collection, the vehicle does not stop at the toll terminal.

Tolls are split up as follows:

Class 1 - Motorcycles & Passenger cars (even with a trailer) with a height under 1.10 metres at the front axle
Class 2 - Vehicles with two axles and a height of 1.10 metres or higher at the front axle
Class 3 - Vehicles with three axles and a height of 1.10 metres or higher at the front axle
Class 4 - Vehicles with more than three axles and a height of 1.10 metres or higher at the front axle

Bridge and Tunnel Tolls

The 2 main toll bridges in Portugal spanning the Tagus River in Lisbon, are:

25 de Abril
Vasca da Gama

Maximum Weights & Dimensions
Height	4 metres
Width	2.55 metres (Fridges 2.6 metres)
Length	Artic 16.5 metres Road Train 18.75 metres
Weight	Artic 40 tonnes (40 foot ISO containers - 44 tonnes) Road Train 40 tonnes There are also various maximum permitted weights on vehicles, trailers and road trains which are applicable according to the number of axles.

Vehicle Legal Documentation

Green Card required, plus original vehicle registration docs.
A GB plate must be fitted to the rear of the vehicle/trailer. A trailer Registration Certificate is a requirement. To register for a trailer certificate go to - https://www.gov.uk/register-trailer-to-take-abroad

Safety Equipment

It is compulsory to carry the following items of equipment and/or observe specific rules:-

First Aid Kit
Warning triangle placed 30 metres behind a broken down vehicle
Spare bulbs (advised)
Dipped headlights are compulsory at all times through tunnels
Seat belts must be worn
Snow chains should be carried and used in all cases where signage indicates during the winter months.

Driver Legal Documents

Full passport required but no visa required.
International driving licence and/or normal UK Licence.
ADR certificate if Dangerous Goods are being carried.
Letter from employer giving driver permission to drive vehicle or attestation letter and form.

If the UK fully leaves the EU on 31 January 2021, HGV drivers will require travel insurance with healthcare cover

Speed Limits

Vehicles Concerned	Built-Up Areas (kms)	All-Purpose Roads (kms)	Expressways / Dual Carriageways (kms)	Motorways (minimum 40 kms)
All vehicles over 3.5 tonnes	50	70	70	80