Height limitPortugal
Traffic rules
Portugal
1. Height limit
A height limit prohibits vehicles whose total height exceeds the value shown from entering or passing a road section, bridge, tunnel, gateway or other structure. The vehicle’s height includes its load and any equipment attached above it.
Drivers of high vehicles must know their exact height, observe advance warnings and use an alternative route when necessary. They should never rely only on visual judgement or attempt to pass beneath a structure when safe clearance is uncertain.
How should you read a low-bridge height restriction in Portugal?
Look for the locally prescribed height restriction or clearance warning near historic town centres and narrow bridges. The displayed clearance is normally in metres. A warning may describe a hazard ahead; a prohibitory sign indicates a route you cannot enter if your vehicle exceeds the limit.
🔗 pgdlisboa.pt • Portugal, Código da Estrada — articles 7, 24; RST C3f, C5–C9
🔗 ansr.pt • ANSR official RST — corrected 2019 republication, sign descriptions and markings
Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited.
English • Traffic sign C9 • No vehicles higher than ... m. Access is prohibited to vehicles whose overall height exceeds the value shown.
Português • C9 • Trânsito proibido a veículos de altura superior a ... m. Indicação de acesso interdito a veículos cuja altura total seja superior à indicada no sinal.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Gigillo83 • CC BY-SA 4.0)
🔗 Diariodarepublica.pt • Regulamento de Sinalização do Trânsito • artigo 24.º • C9
🔗 Ansr.pt • Republicação oficial retificada • C9 • página 14
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Gigillo83 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2015-03-02. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Does a roof load count when checking vehicle height in Portugal?
Yes for practical clearance: measure the vehicle at its highest point with its load and fitted accessories, such as a roof box, bicycle or roof rack. Check the local legal measurement rules as well; an empty vehicle’s registered height is not enough when equipment has been added.
🔗 pgdlisboa.pt • Portugal, Código da Estrada — articles 7, 24; RST C3f, C5–C9
🔗 ansr.pt • ANSR official RST — corrected 2019 republication, sign descriptions and markings
What should you do if your vehicle is too high for a bridge or tunnel in Portugal?
Do not try to squeeze under the structure. Use the signed alternative route and, if you are already close to the obstruction, stop where safe and seek traffic-control assistance rather than reversing unpredictably into moving traffic.
🔗 pgdlisboa.pt • Portugal, Código da Estrada — articles 7, 24; RST C3f, C5–C9
🔗 ansr.pt • ANSR official RST — corrected 2019 republication, sign descriptions and markings
