Motorcycle equipmentPortugal

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.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Portugal

48. Motorcycle equipment

Motorcycle equipment includes the protective equipment used by the rider and passenger and the safety equipment fitted to the motorcycle. Rider equipment commonly includes a helmet, protective clothing, gloves, boots and eye protection, while the motorcycle itself requires equipment such as lights, brakes, mirrors, tyres and signalling devices according to local law.

The equipment that is legally required varies between countries and motorcycle categories. Riders should ensure that both their protective equipment and motorcycle are suitable, correctly used and in safe condition before travelling.

Barry Sheene's racing helmet, leathers and Suzuki motorcycle on display at the Silverstone Experience Centre. (United Kingdom)
Wikimedia.org • 35mmMan • CC BY

What equipment should a motorcyclist use?

Motorcyclists should use appropriate protective equipment, commonly including a helmet, gloves, protective jacket and trousers, and footwear that protects the feet and ankles.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 83–88, helmets and protective clothing; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 59, cycle equipment; national guidance example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2 and 36, moped/speed-pedelec helmets; Belgian example

🔗 chp.ca.gov • California Highway Patrol, motorcycle safety and helmets; California example

Is a motorcycle helmet compulsory?

Helmet requirements depend on local law, although approved motorcycle helmets are compulsory in many countries. The helmet should fit correctly and be used in a way that preserves its protective function.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 83–88, helmets and protective clothing; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 59, cycle equipment; national guidance example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2 and 36, moped/speed-pedelec helmets; Belgian example

🔗 chp.ca.gov • California Highway Patrol, motorcycle safety and helmets; California example

Why should motorcyclists wear gloves?

Use suitable motorcycle gloves as part of your protective equipment. They can help protect the hands while allowing a secure grip and operation of the controls. Protection depends on the glove’s design, condition and fit; ordinary gloves are not automatically equivalent to protective riding gloves.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 83–88, helmets and protective clothing; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 59, cycle equipment; national guidance example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2 and 36, moped/speed-pedelec helmets; Belgian example

🔗 chp.ca.gov • California Highway Patrol, motorcycle safety and helmets; California example

Bicycle

Rail track

1 Portugal 2 Motorway 3 Zone 4 Speed limit 5 Bike path 6 Bus stop 7 Dead end 8 Stop sign 9 Roundabout 10 Railway crossing 11 Mandatory direction 12 School area 13 Overtaking 14 Crossing animals 15 Wrong-way driving 16 Traffic lights 17 Traffic mirror 18 International border 19 Parking 20 No parking 21 Disabled parking 22 Reversing 23 Tourist attraction 24 Licence plate 25 Charging station 26 Bus 27 Police 28 Ambulance 29 European emission standard 30 Pothole 31 Path 32 Particulates 33 Air pollution 34 Rush hour 35 Road code 36 Street gutter 37 Cargo bike 38 Forestry vehicle 39 Construction vehicle 40 Semi-trailer truck 41 Trolleybus 42 Speed pedelec 43 Delivery vehicle 44 Idling 45 Tow truck 46 Four-wheel drive 47 Bicycle 48 Motorcycle equipment 49 Rail track 50 Caravan 51 Trailer 52 Tow hitch 53 Fire truck 54 Siren 55 Convoy 56 Emergency vehicle lighting 57 Agricultural machinery 58 Electric bicycle 59 Electric vehicle 60 Pedelec 61 Quadricycle 62 Microcar 63 All-terrain vehicle 64 Van 65 Recreational vehicle 66 Scooter 67 Trikke 68 Personal mobility device 69 Skateboard 70 Segway 71 Kick scooter 72 Roller skates 73 Mailman 74 Hitchhiker 75 Toddler 76 Child 77 Disability 78 Motorail 79 km/h 80 mph 81 Speedometer 82 Ride height 83 Dirt road 84 Driving 85 Start-stop system 86 Manual transmission 87 Automatic transmission 88 Throttle 89 Tachometer 90 Steering wheel 91 Power steering 92 Visual scanning 93 Mirror 94 Fuel 95 Fuel gauge 96 Petrol 97 Diesel 98 Diesel exhaust fluid 99 Car insurance 100 First aid kit ...