Traffic lightsPortugal
Traffic rules
Portugal
16. Traffic lights
Traffic lights use coloured lights, arrows or symbols to regulate when road users may proceed, must prepare to stop or must remain stopped. Separate signals may apply to particular directions, lanes, pedestrians, cyclists or public-transport vehicles.
A green light permits movement only when the route is clear and the movement is otherwise legal. Road users must still follow priority rules, turning restrictions, lane markings and instructions from authorised traffic controllers.
Wikimedia.org • Jorge Andrade • CC BY
What must a driver do at red, amber and green signals in Portugal?
Red means stop at the applicable line. Amber generally warns that the signal is changing and calls for a stop where it can be made safely; do not accelerate to beat it. Green allows movement only when the way is clear. Observe local arrow, flashing-signal and stop-line rules.
🔗 diariodarepublica.pt • Portugal, Traffic Signalling Regulation, articles 69–71
May you turn at a red traffic light in Portugal?
A red signal alone prohibits entering the controlled area, including to turn. An additional green arrow may authorise movement in its direction while another signal is red, but you must let pedestrians and traffic already in the junction pass. Stopping first does not create a general right to turn on red.
🔗 diariodarepublica.pt • Portugal, Traffic Signalling Regulation, articles 69–71
Can a green light remove the need to give way to pedestrians in Portugal?
No. A green signal is not a guarantee that the junction is empty. Check for people already crossing, vehicles completing a movement and any separate pedestrian, bicycle or turning signals. Do not enter if you cannot clear the junction safely.
🔗 diariodarepublica.pt • Portugal, Traffic Signalling Regulation, articles 69–71; 🔗 diariodarepublica.pt • Portugal, Road Code, article 103
