Information signsPortugal

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Portugal. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


Information signs

An information sign identifies a route, destination, facility or regulated road or area. Some carry legal consequences, so apply the actual sign meaning and local traffic code.


Start of a priority road. End of the priority road. Start of a motorway. End of the motorway. Start of an expressway. End of the expressway. National speed limits. Advisory speed limit. End of the advisory speed limit. Start of a tunnel. End of the tunnel. Road with two-way traffic. Crossing for pedestrians. Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way. Dead end street. Dead end street with a passage for pedestrians and cyclists. Road with one-way traffic. End of the road with one-way traffic. Ramp destination. Overview of the lanes and their direction. Start of a new lane. Route to be followed in order to turn left. Information about the directions of the roundabout. Junction layout, directions and destinations. End of a lane. Parking allowed. Start of a parking zone. End of the parking zone. Crossroad shape. Crossroad shape.
Which signs provide information in Portugal?

Information and direction signs identify roads, destinations and facilities. Read road and area designations with their associated rules.

🔗 pgdlisboa.pt • Portugal, Código da Estrada — articles 7, 24–25, 35, 72–73; RST direction, route and O4 exit-approach signs

🔗 ansr.pt • ANSR official RST — corrected 2019 republication, sign descriptions and markings

How can you recognise a built-up area in Portugal?

The official signs marking the beginning and end of the locality define the traffic-law boundary. Observe any additional speed or zone signs along the route.

🔗 pgdlisboa.pt • Portugal, Código da Estrada — articles 7, 24–25, 35, 72–73; RST direction, route and O4 exit-approach signs

🔗 ansr.pt • ANSR official RST — corrected 2019 republication, sign descriptions and markings

1. Start of a priority road

This traffic sign indicates the start of a priority road. Drivers on the priority road normally have priority over traffic entering from side roads until the priority road ends, unless traffic lights, other signs or applicable traffic rules indicate otherwise.

Start of a priority road.

English • Traffic sign B3 • Priority road. Drivers on this road have priority at successive crossroads and junctions.

Português • B3 • Via com prioridade. Indicação de que os condutores que circulam na via em que o sinal se encontra colocado têm prioridade de passagem nos sucessivos cruzamentos e entroncamentos.

2. End of the priority road

This traffic sign indicates the end of the priority road. The road no longer has continuing priority at subsequent intersections. Follow the applicable traffic lights, priority signs and default priority rules.

End of the priority road.

English • Traffic sign B4 • End of priority road. From this point, the road no longer has priority.

Português • B4 • Fim de via com prioridade. Indicação de que a partir do local em que o sinal está colocado a via deixa de ter prioridade.

3. Start of a motorway

This traffic sign indicates the start of a motorway. From this point, special motorway rules apply, including restrictions on which road users may enter and on stopping, reversing and other manoeuvres. Follow the applicable speed limits, lane rules and local motorway regulations.

Start of a motorway.

English • Traffic sign H24 • Motorway. Marks entry to a motorway, where the traffic rules specific to this road type apply.

Português • H24 • Autoestrada. Indicação de entrada numa autoestrada, vigorando na mesma, por consequência, as regras de trânsito especialmente destinadas a esse tipo de vias.

4. End of the motorway

This traffic sign indicates the end of the motorway. The special motorway rules end at this point. Follow the speed limits, access rules and other traffic signs that apply to the road ahead.

End of the motorway.

English • Traffic sign H38 • End of motorway. Marks the end of the motorway.

Português • H38 • Fim de autoestrada. Indicação de que terminou a autoestrada.

5. Start of an expressway

This traffic sign indicates the start of an expressway. From this point, the traffic rules and access conditions that apply to expressways take effect according to the applicable local regulations.

Start of an expressway.

English • Traffic sign H25 • Road reserved for motor vehicles and motorcycles. Marks entry to a reserved road, where the traffic rules specific to this road type apply.

Português • H25 • Via reservada a automóveis e motociclos. Indicação de entrada numa via reservada, vigorando na mesma, por consequência, as regras de trânsito especialmente destinadas a este tipo de vias.

6. End of the expressway

This traffic sign indicates the end of the expressway. The special traffic rules associated with the expressway end at this point. Follow the rules and traffic signs that apply to the road ahead.

End of the expressway.

English • Traffic sign H39 • End of road reserved for motor vehicles and motorcycles. Marks the end of the reserved road.

Português • H39 • Fim de via reservada a automóveis e motociclos. Indicação de que terminou a via reservada a automóveis e motociclos.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Gigillo83 • CC BY-SA 4.0)
🔗 Diariodarepublica.pt • Regulamento de Sinalização do Trânsito • artigo 34.º • H39
🔗 Ansr.pt • Republicação oficial retificada • H39 • página 21

Replacement SVG: Commons.wikimedia.org • Wikimedia Commons original • Author not stated on source page • Public domain • Original revision 2026-01-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Ansr.pt • official published diagram H39.

7. National speed limits

This traffic sign indicates the national speed limits. The applicable default maximum speeds depend on the road type, vehicle category and local traffic rules when no different speed limit is indicated.

National speed limits.

English • Traffic sign H28 • Speed limits. Shows the general speed limits inside and outside built-up areas, on motorways and on roads reserved for motor vehicles and motorcycles.

Português • H28 • Limites de velocidade. Indicação dos limites gerais de velocidade em vigor, dentro e fora das localidades, nas autoestradas e vias reservadas a automóveis e motociclos.

8. Advisory speed limit

This traffic sign indicates an advisory speed. The displayed value recommends an appropriate speed for the road or conditions ahead. Its legal effect depends on the applicable local rules.

Advisory speed limit.

9. End of the advisory speed limit

This traffic sign indicates the end of the advisory speed. The preceding speed recommendation ends at this point. Continue according to the applicable speed limits and road conditions.

End of the advisory speed limit.

10. Start of a tunnel

This traffic sign indicates the start of a tunnel. Special traffic rules may apply within the tunnel, including requirements concerning vehicle lighting, speed or following distance. Follow the applicable signs and local rules.

Start of a tunnel.

English • Traffic sign H35 • Tunnel. Indicates a tunnel; its name may appear at the bottom of the sign, and its length is given on a model no. 2 supplementary plate.

Português • H35 • Túnel. Indicação da existência de um túnel, podendo o nome do túnel ser indicado na parte inferior do sinal cuja extensão é dada por painel adicional do modelo n.º 2.

11. End of the tunnel

This traffic sign indicates the end of the tunnel. Tunnel-specific rules associated with the sign end where applicable, while separately imposed speed limits, lighting requirements or other restrictions may remain in force.

End of the tunnel.

English • Traffic sign H41 • End of tunnel. Marks the end of the tunnel.

Português • H41 • Fim de túnel. Indicação de que terminou o túnel.

12. Road with two-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates a road with two-way traffic. Traffic may travel in both directions, so vehicles travelling in the opposite direction may be encountered.

Road with two-way traffic.

English • Traffic sign H31d • Number and direction of lanes. Shows the number and direction of lanes; the diagram may be adapted to the actual layout in accordance with annexed table XVI.

Português • H31d • Número e sentido das vias de trânsito. Indicação do número e sentido das vias de trânsito, podendo o seu desenho ser ajustado à configuração existente de acordo com o quadro XVI, em anexo.

13. Crossing for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates a crossing for pedestrians. It marks a designated place where pedestrians cross the road. Priority and crossing rules depend on the applicable traffic signs, signals and local regulations.

Crossing for pedestrians.

English • Traffic sign H7 • Pedestrian crossing. Marks the location of a pedestrian crossing.

Português • H7 • Passagem para peões. Indicação da localização de uma passagem para peões.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Diariodarepublica.pt • Regulamento de Sinalização do Trânsito • artigo 34.º • H7
🔗 Ansr.pt • Republicação oficial retificada • H7 • página 19

SVG source: Republic of Portugal • Public domain • Original revision 2014-08-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.

14. Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way

This traffic sign indicates a road narrowing where oncoming drivers have to give way.

Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way.

English • Traffic sign B6 • Priority at a narrow section. Drivers have priority over vehicles travelling in the opposite direction.

Português • B6 • Prioridade nos estreitamentos da faixa de rodagem. Indicação de que o condutor tem prioridade de passagem sobre os veículos que transitam em sentido contrário.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Fer1997 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Diariodarepublica.pt • Regulamento de Sinalização do Trânsito • artigo 21.º • B6
🔗 Ansr.pt • Republicação oficial retificada • B6 • página 12

Replacement SVG: Commons.wikimedia.org • Wikimedia Commons original • Benedicto16 • Public domain • Original revision 2025-11-29. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Ansr.pt • official published diagram B6.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Benedicto16 • Public domain • Source revision 2025-11-29. Wikimedia original unmodified.

15. Dead end street

This traffic sign indicates a dead end street. The road has no through route for vehicles, although access to properties or other destinations along the road may still be possible.

Dead end street.

English • Traffic sign H4 • Dead-end road. Indicates that the public road has no exit for vehicles.

Português • H4 • Via pública sem saída. Indicação de que a via pública não tem saída para veículos.

16. Dead end street with a passage for pedestrians and cyclists

This traffic sign indicates a dead end street with a passage for pedestrians and cyclists. The road has no through route for motor vehicles, but pedestrians and cyclists can continue beyond the dead end.

Dead end street with a passage for pedestrians and cyclists.

17. Road with one-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates a road with one-way traffic. Vehicular traffic may travel only in the permitted direction, subject to any exceptions indicated by traffic signs or local rules.

Road with one-way traffic.

English • Traffic sign H3 • One-way traffic. Indicates a one-way road or the end of the two-way section announced by sign A25 or H31d.

Português • H3 • Trânsito de sentido único. Indicação de via em que o trânsito se faz apenas num sentido ou indicação de que terminou o troço de via em que o trânsito se fazia nos dois sentidos, anunciado pelo sinal A25 ou pelo sinal H31d.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Diariodarepublica.pt • Regulamento de Sinalização do Trânsito • artigo 34.º • H3
🔗 Ansr.pt • Republicação oficial retificada • H3 • página 19

Replacement SVG: Commons.wikimedia.org • Wikimedia Commons original • No machine-readable author provided. Benedicto16 assumed (based on copyright claims). • Public domain • Original revision 2025-11-30. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Ansr.pt • official published diagram H3.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
No machine-readable author provided. Benedicto16 assumed (based on copyright claims). • Public domain • Source revision 2025-11-30. Wikimedia original unmodified.

18. End of the road with one-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates the end of the road with one-way traffic. The preceding one-way traffic arrangement ends at this point. Follow the traffic signs and road layout that apply beyond the sign.

End of the road with one-way traffic.

19. Ramp destination

This traffic sign gives information about the destination reached via the ramp. The displayed destination indicates where the ramp leads.

Ramp destination.

English • Traffic sign I2d • Diagrammatic advance direction sign. Shows destinations for each direction in the diagram and identifies the associated roads; traffic signs may be included.

Português • I2d • Pré-aviso gráfico. Tem inscritos os destinos referidos a cada uma das direções do esquema gráfico, bem como a identificação das vias que lhes estão associadas, podendo conter sinais verticais.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Diariodarepublica.pt • Regulamento de Sinalização do Trânsito • artigo 36.º • I2d
🔗 Ansr.pt • Republicação oficial retificada • I2d • página 22

SVG source: Mortadelo2005 • Public domain • Original revision 2006-09-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.

20. Overview of the lanes and their direction

This traffic sign gives an overview of the lanes and their direction. The diagram shows how the traffic lanes are arranged and how they continue, divide or merge.

Overview of the lanes and their direction.

English • Traffic sign H31c • Number and direction of lanes. Shows the number and direction of lanes; the diagram may be adapted to the actual layout in accordance with annexed table XVI.

Português • H31c • Número e sentido das vias de trânsito. Indicação do número e sentido das vias de trânsito, podendo o seu desenho ser ajustado à configuração existente de acordo com o quadro XVI, em anexo.

21. Start of a new lane

This traffic sign indicates the start of a new traffic lane. The displayed road layout shows where the additional lane begins and how the traffic lanes continue.

Start of a new lane.

English • Traffic sign H31b • Number and direction of lanes. Shows the number and direction of lanes; the diagram may be adapted to the actual layout under annexed table XVI. The diagram may be adapted to the road's actual layout under article 35, paragraph 11.

Português • H31b • Número e sentido das vias de trânsito. Indicação do número e sentido das vias de trânsito, podendo o seu desenho ser ajustado à configuração existente de acordo com o quadro XVI, em anexo. O desenho pode ser ajustado à configuração existente da via, nos termos do artigo 35.º, n.º 11.

22. Route to be followed in order to turn left

This traffic sign indicates the route to use for a left turn. Follow the indicated route instead of turning left directly at this point.

Route to be followed in order to turn left.

English • Traffic sign I6 • Advance route sign. Shows the route needed to turn left where a left turn is prohibited at the next junction; the diagram must match the road layout.

Português • I6 • Pré-sinalização de itinerário. Indica o itinerário que é necessário seguir para virar à esquerda nos casos em que esta manobra está interdita na intersecção mais próxima, devendo o esquema do itinerário ser ajustado à configuração das vias.

Sources

23. Information about the directions of the roundabout

This traffic sign gives information about directions at a roundabout. The diagram shows the available exits and the destinations reached from them.

Information about the directions of the roundabout.

English • Traffic sign I2b • Diagrammatic advance direction sign. Shows destinations for each direction in the diagram and identifies the associated roads; traffic signs may be included.

Português • I2b • Pré-aviso gráfico. Tem inscritos os destinos referidos a cada uma das direções do esquema gráfico, bem como a identificação das vias que lhes estão associadas, podendo conter sinais verticais.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Diariodarepublica.pt • Regulamento de Sinalização do Trânsito • artigo 36.º • I2b
🔗 Ansr.pt • Republicação oficial retificada • I2b • página 22

SVG source: Mortadelo2005 • Public domain • Original revision 2010-06-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

24. Junction layout, directions and destinations

This traffic sign shows the junction layout, directions and destinations. The diagram shows how the roads are arranged and which direction leads to each indicated destination or route.

Junction layout, directions and destinations.

English • Traffic sign I2a • Diagrammatic advance direction sign. Shows destinations for each direction in the diagram and identifies the associated roads; traffic signs may be included.

Português • I2a • Pré-aviso gráfico. Tem inscritos os destinos referidos a cada uma das direções do esquema gráfico, bem como a identificação das vias que lhes estão associadas, podendo conter sinais verticais.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Diariodarepublica.pt • Regulamento de Sinalização do Trânsito • artigo 36.º • I2a
🔗 Ansr.pt • Republicação oficial retificada • I2a • página 22

SVG source: Mortadelo2005 • Public domain • Original revision 2006-09-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.

25. End of a lane

This traffic sign indicates the end of a lane. The displayed lane arrangement shows which lane ends and how the remaining traffic lanes continue.

End of a lane.

English • Traffic sign H32 • Lane ends. Indicates the removal of a lane; the diagram may be adapted to the actual layout under annexed table XVI. The diagram may be adapted to the road's actual layout under article 35, paragraph 11.

Português • H32 • Supressão de via de trânsito. Indicação de supressão de uma via de trânsito, podendo o seu desenho ser ajustado à configuração existente de acordo com o quadro XVI, em anexo. O desenho pode ser ajustado à configuração existente da via, nos termos do artigo 35.º, n.º 11.

26. Parking allowed

This traffic sign indicates that parking is allowed. Vehicles may be parked in the area covered by the sign subject to any indicated conditions, restrictions or local parking rules.

Parking allowed.

English • Traffic sign H1a • Parking permitted. Marks a place where parking is permitted.

Português • H1a • Estacionamento autorizado. Indicação do local em que o estacionamento é autorizado.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Diariodarepublica.pt • Regulamento de Sinalização do Trânsito • artigo 34.º • H1a
🔗 Ansr.pt • Republicação oficial retificada • H1a • página 19

SVG source: Republic of Portugal • Public domain • Original revision 2022-10-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Ansr.pt • official published diagram H1a.

27. Start of a parking zone

This traffic sign indicates the start of a parking zone. The parking rules indicated for the zone apply throughout it according to the applicable signs and local regulations.

Start of a parking zone.

English • Traffic sign G1 • Parking zone. Marks entry to a zone where parking is permitted.

Português • G1 • Zona de estacionamento autorizado. Indicação de entrada numa zona em que o estacionamento é autorizado.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Diariodarepublica.pt • Regulamento de Sinalização do Trânsito • artigo 32.º • G1
🔗 Ansr.pt • Republicação oficial retificada • G1 • página 18

SVG source: Republic of Portugal • Public domain • Original revision 2015-03-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

28. End of the parking zone

This traffic sign indicates the end of the parking zone. The parking rules associated with that zone end at this point. Other parking restrictions or conditions may still apply.

End of the parking zone.

English • Traffic sign G6 • End of parking zone. Marks the end of the zone where parking was permitted.

Português • G6 • Fim de zona de estacionamento autorizado. Indicação de que terminou a zona em que o estacionamento era autorizado.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Diariodarepublica.pt • Regulamento de Sinalização do Trânsito • artigo 32.º • G6
🔗 Ansr.pt • Republicação oficial retificada • G6 • página 18

SVG source: Republic of Portugal • Public domain • Original revision 2015-03-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

29. Crossroad shape

This traffic sign shows the shape or layout of an upcoming junction. The diagram indicates how the approaching road and connecting roads are arranged.

Crossroad shape.

English • Model 13a • Priority road diagram. The thick line represents the priority road and shows that it changes direction. This plate may be used only with sign B3. The supplementary plate’s message relates to the sign above it and must be read together with that sign.

Português • Modelo 13a • Diagrama da via com prioridade. O traço largo representa a via com prioridade e indica que esta muda de direção. O painel só pode ser utilizado com o sinal B3. A mensagem do painel adicional respeita ao sinal vertical sob o qual está colocado; o painel deve ser interpretado em conjunto com esse sinal.

30. Crossroad shape

This traffic sign shows the shape or layout of an upcoming junction. The diagram indicates how the approaching road and connecting roads are arranged.

Crossroad shape.

English • Model 13b • Priority road diagram. The thick line represents the priority road and shows that it changes direction. This plate may be used only with sign B3. The supplementary plate’s message relates to the sign above it and must be read together with that sign.

Português • Modelo 13b • Diagrama da via com prioridade. O traço largo representa a via com prioridade e indica que esta muda de direção. O painel só pode ser utilizado com o sinal B3. A mensagem do painel adicional respeita ao sinal vertical sob o qual está colocado; o painel deve ser interpretado em conjunto com esse sinal.