Minimum speedPortugal
Traffic rules
Portugal
1. Minimum speed
A minimum speed is the lowest speed that vehicles are required to maintain on a particular road or under specified conditions. Minimum-speed rules are intended to prevent vehicles travelling unnecessarily slowly from disrupting traffic or creating large speed differences between road users.
A minimum speed does not require drivers to maintain that speed when traffic, weather, visibility, road conditions or safety require them to slow down. The way minimum speeds are indicated and enforced varies between countries.
What is Portugal’s general motorway minimum speed?
The Road Code sets 50 km/h as the general motorway minimum. It must be read with the duties to adapt speed and slow for hazards, and the rule against unjustifiably slow obstruction. It does not require 50 km/h in a queue.
🔗 pgdlisboa.pt • Portugal, Código da Estrada — articles 13, 24–28, 72–75; RST D8, H24–H25
🔗 ansr.pt • ANSR official RST — corrected 2019 republication, sign descriptions and markings
Is Portugal’s motorway admission threshold the same as its driving minimum?
No. Admission normally requires a vehicle capable of, and legally allowed to travel at, more than 60 km/h on a level road. The general motorway driving minimum is 50 km/h. These are separate requirements.
🔗 pgdlisboa.pt • Portugal, Código da Estrada — articles 13, 24–28, 72–75; RST D8, H24–H25
🔗 ansr.pt • ANSR official RST — corrected 2019 republication, sign descriptions and markings
Can Portuguese motorway traffic or hazards require less than 50 km/h?
Yes. The 50 km/h minimum expressly refers to the rule against unjustifiably slow obstruction. The duties to adapt speed and slow for hazards also apply. Slow or stop when necessary; do not maintain 50 km/h where traffic, grip or visibility makes it unsafe.
🔗 pgdlisboa.pt • Portugal, Código da Estrada — articles 13, 24–28, 72–75; RST D8, H24–H25
🔗 ansr.pt • ANSR official RST — corrected 2019 republication, sign descriptions and markings
