MotorwayPortugal

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.


2. Motorway

A motorway is a road specially designed and signposted for motor traffic. Motorways normally have separate carriageways for opposing traffic, controlled access through designated entrances and exits, no direct access to neighbouring properties, and no level crossings with other roads, railways or paths.

Special traffic rules apply on motorways. The permitted road users, speed limits, lane rules, tolls and emergency procedures vary between countries, so drivers must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

Motorway designation sign on the eastbound A22. (near Paderne, Algarve, Portugal)
Wikimedia.org • Kolforn • CC BY
How do people refer to a motorway in Portugal?

The Portuguese term is autoestrada. Follow its motorway designation; a main road or divided road is not automatically an autoestrada.

🔗 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

Start of a motorway. 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.

End of the motorway. 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.

What speed limit applies to cars on a motorway in Portugal?

For an ordinary passenger car without a trailer, the general maximum is 120 km/h. Obey lower posted limits and reduce speed when traffic, weather or visibility requires it. Different limits can apply to other vehicle classes.

🔗 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

Who may use a motorway in Portugal?

Pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds, quadricycles, agricultural vehicles and certain other categories are prohibited. Eligible motor vehicles must be capable and legally permitted to travel faster than 60 km/h. This admission condition is different from the minimum driving-speed rule.

🔗 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

What should I do if I miss a motorway exit in Portugal?

Continue to the next exit and choose a safe onward route. Do not reverse, make a U-turn or cross the central reservation to return to a missed exit.

🔗 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

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 ...