QuizTraffic rulesPortugal

Test your knowledge with our multiple-choice quiz. Learn from each answer and improve your understanding of the traffic rules and road signs of Portugal.

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


What should you do when entering a roundabout?

401. What should you do when entering a roundabout?

Enter if another driver appears to be slowing down.
Give way only to traffic in the lane nearest to you.
✓ Slow down, give way when required, and enter only when safe.
Stop and wait until the roundabout is completely empty.

When approaching a roundabout, reduce your speed, observe traffic, follow the signs and local priority rules, and enter only when it is safe.

Vehicle at a roundabout entrance
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Why should you not ignore temporary speed limits?

402. Why should you not ignore temporary speed limits?

They can be ignored when the road looks clear.
They apply only to road workers.
✓ They are used to protect people and manage hazards.
They apply only when traffic is congested.

Temporary speed limits may be used near roadworks, accidents, events, or dangerous conditions. They help keep traffic safe.

Temporary speed-limit sign at roadworks
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What is the main emergency number in Portugal?

403. What is the main emergency number in Portugal?

000.
111.
123.
✓ 112.

The main emergency number in Portugal is 112.

112 emergency telephone number
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Which vehicles are normally covered by driving licence B?

404. Which vehicles are normally covered by driving licence B?

Buses carrying more than eight passengers.
Any vehicle towing a heavy trailer.
✓ Cars and light vehicles up to 3,500 kg.
Goods vehicles up to 7,500 kg.

Category B normally covers motor vehicles with a maximum authorised mass of no more than 3,500 kg and designed to carry no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver. Trailer rules depend on the trailer and combined authorised mass.

Car covered by category B
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What should you do if traffic suddenly slows on a motorway?

405. What should you do if traffic suddenly slows on a motorway?

Brake suddenly as soon as you notice slower traffic.
✓ Slow down smoothly and warn traffic behind if needed.
Maintain speed until the vehicle ahead brakes.
Move onto the shoulder and continue driving.

When traffic slows suddenly, reduce speed smoothly, keep a safe distance, and use hazard lights if needed to warn following traffic.

Motorway traffic slowing ahead
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Why should you leave extra space behind a vehicle carrying animals?

406. Why should you leave extra space behind a vehicle carrying animals?

Because these vehicles always have priority.
✓ Because it may move slowly or stop unexpectedly.
Because they must always travel in the centre of the road.
Because they cannot use their horn.

Vehicles transporting animals may accelerate slowly, take bends carefully, or brake gently to protect their load.

Vehicle following an animal transporter
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Which selector position is used to drive the vehicle backwards?

407. Which selector position is used to drive the vehicle backwards?

D (Drive).
✓ R (Reverse).
P (Park).
N (Neutral).

Select R (Reverse) when you need to drive the vehicle backwards. The vehicle should be stationary before selecting Reverse.

Automatic gear selector with P, R, N and D positions
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What is the purpose of a pedestrian crossing?

408. What is the purpose of a pedestrian crossing?

To allow pedestrians to cross without checking traffic.
✓ To help pedestrians cross the road safely.
To separate pedestrians from cyclists along the road.
To give pedestrians priority throughout the whole street.

Pedestrian crossings provide a designated place where people can safely cross the road.

Pedestrian crossing across a road
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What should you do with the parking brake when parking on a slope?

409. What should you do with the parking brake when parking on a slope?

Leave it partly applied.
Use it only if the engine is running.
Release it completely.
✓ Apply it firmly.

When parking on a slope, apply the parking brake firmly to help prevent the vehicle from rolling. Selecting an appropriate gear or Park provides additional security.

Using the parking brake when parking on a slope
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What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

410. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Power-steering warning.
Brake-system warning.
Charging-system warning.
✓ Airbag system warning.

This symbol indicates a possible fault in the airbag or supplementary restraint system. If it remains illuminated while driving, the system should be checked because one or more airbags or seat-belt pretensioners may not operate correctly in a collision.

Airbag-system warning symbol on the dashboard
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What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

411. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Low tyre pressure.
Electronic stability control.
Charging-system warning.
✓ Power-steering warning.

This symbol indicates a possible fault with the power-steering system. Steering assistance may be reduced or unavailable, making the steering wheel harder to turn.

Power-steering warning symbol on the dashboard
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What should you do if another driver does not give way when they should?

412. What should you do if another driver does not give way when they should?

Maintain your speed because you have priority.
✓ Slow down and avoid a collision.
Use the horn and continue at the same speed.
Accelerate so you pass through first.

Even if you have priority, safety comes first. Slow down, stay calm, and avoid creating a dangerous situation.

Conflicting vehicle movements at a junction
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What is a danger of driving a petrol or diesel vehicle with the boot or tailgate open?

413. What is a danger of driving a petrol or diesel vehicle with the boot or tailgate open?

✓ Exhaust fumes can be drawn into the passenger compartment.
The rear window demister may stop working.
The boot warning light may remain on.
The vehicle can become too heavy at the rear.

Driving with the boot or tailgate open can allow exhaust gases to be drawn into the vehicle. Exhaust fumes may contain carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and may be difficult to detect. Keep the luggage compartment properly closed while driving whenever possible.

Open vehicle tailgate and exhaust-fume risk
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How should you normally brake on a motorcycle?

414. How should you normally brake on a motorcycle?

Use only the front brake.
Alternate between the front and rear brakes.
Apply both brakes as suddenly as possible.
✓ Use both brakes smoothly and progressively.

During normal braking, use both the front and rear brakes smoothly and progressively. The front brake normally provides much of the braking force, while the rear brake also helps slow and stabilise the motorcycle. Sudden or poorly balanced braking can reduce stability or cause a wheel to lose grip.

Motorcyclist using the front and rear brakes
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What should you do if birds are swooping at you while cycling?

415. What should you do if birds are swooping at you while cycling?

✓ Slow down, stay calm, and leave the area without provoking them.
Accelerate as fast as possible to escape.
Throw objects towards the birds.
Wave your arms to frighten the birds away.

Some birds become territorial during the breeding season and may swoop people near their nests. Stay calm, avoid provoking or approaching the birds, and leave the area safely. If necessary and safe, dismount and walk your bicycle through or away from the area while keeping your helmet on.

Bird swooping near a cyclist
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What should you do if the windscreen wipers stop working during heavy rain?

416. What should you do if the windscreen wipers stop working during heavy rain?

✓ Reduce speed and stop in a safe place as soon as possible.
Continue slowly using the hazard lights.
Use the washer fluid repeatedly to clear the windscreen.
Follow another vehicle closely so you can see its lights.

Do not continue when you cannot see clearly. Slow down smoothly and stop somewhere protected from traffic.

Windscreen wipers failing during heavy rain
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Which roads are most likely to cause aquaplaning?

417. Which roads are most likely to cause aquaplaning?

Roads exposed to strong sunlight.
Roads with loose chippings.
Straight roads in dry weather.
✓ Roads with standing water or deep puddles.

Standing water can collect in dips, ruts, or puddles, increasing the chance that tyres will lose grip.

Standing water on a road surface
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Why should you avoid stopping in a blind spot of a large vehicle?

418. Why should you avoid stopping in a blind spot of a large vehicle?

✓ The driver may not be able to see you.
Large vehicles always have priority when changing lanes.
Stopping beside a large vehicle makes you easier to see.
The driver can always see you in the mirrors.

Large vehicles have bigger blind spots. If you stop where the driver cannot see you, you may be at risk when the vehicle moves or turns.

Vehicle positioned in a large vehicle's blind spot
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You should follow the vehicle in front as closely as possible in traffic.

419. You should follow the vehicle in front as closely as possible in traffic.

✓ False.
True.

You should keep a safe following distance so you have enough time to react if traffic slows or stops suddenly.

Vehicle following closely behind another vehicle
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What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

420. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Engine-management warning.
✓ Diesel particulate filter warning.
Charging-system warning.
Oil-pressure warning.

This symbol indicates a problem with the diesel particulate filter (DPF), often because soot has accumulated in the filter. The vehicle may require regeneration or professional inspection, depending on the vehicle and warning status.

Diesel particulate filter warning symbol on the dashboard
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You should signal before turning or changing lanes.

421. You should signal before turning or changing lanes.

✓ True.
False.

A clear signal helps other road users understand your intentions, but you must still check that the manoeuvre can be made safely.

Vehicle signalling before a turn
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What should you do before overtaking while towing a trailer?

422. What should you do before overtaking while towing a trailer?

Begin overtaking as soon as the road looks clear.
✓ Allow extra time and distance for the manoeuvre.
Accelerate sharply once you move into the other lane.
Follow closely before moving out to overtake.

A towing vehicle accelerates more slowly, and the trailer makes the whole vehicle combination longer. Remember to allow a much larger safe gap before overtaking and enough space to return safely to your lane.

Vehicle preparing to overtake while towing a trailer
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How can air conditioning help demist the windows?

423. How can air conditioning help demist the windows?

By opening the windows automatically.
✓ By removing moisture from the air.
By increasing air recirculation.
By heating the rear window directly.

Using the air conditioning can help demist the windows because it removes moisture from the cabin air. Directing this drier air towards the windscreen can clear condensation more quickly.

Air-conditioning controls used to demist the windscreen
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What is the minimum licence for an 8 m minibus designed for 16 passengers plus the driver?

424. What is the minimum licence for an 8 m minibus designed for 16 passengers plus the driver?

✓ Licence D1.
Licence D.
Licence B.
Licence C1.

Category D1 covers vehicles designed to carry no more than 16 passengers in addition to the driver and with a maximum length of 8 metres.

Minibus for up to 16 passengers plus the driver
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What should you do if medicine makes you feel drowsy?

425. What should you do if medicine makes you feel drowsy?

✓ Do not drive until the effect has passed.
Drink coffee before driving.
Drive only for short distances.
Drive slowly and avoid motorways.

If a medicine causes drowsiness, your concentration, judgement, and reaction time may be reduced. Do not drive until you are fit to do so and the effect has passed.

Drowsiness after taking medicine
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How may drivers normally use a phone while driving in Portugal?

426. How may drivers normally use a phone while driving in Portugal?

Only for texting.
Handheld.
✓ Hands-free.
Either handheld or hands-free.

When phone use while driving is permitted in Portugal, drivers must generally use a hands-free system rather than holding the phone.

Hands-free phone use inside a vehicle
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What should you do after hitting an animal with your vehicle?

427. What should you do after hitting an animal with your vehicle?

Approach the animal immediately.
✓ Stop safely, warn other traffic, and seek appropriate help.
Leave the scene and report it later.
Continue driving if the vehicle still works.

After an animal collision, stop in a safe place if possible and protect yourself and other road users from further danger. Do not approach an injured or frightened animal unless it is safe to do so. Contact the appropriate police, road authority, animal service, or emergency service as required by the situation and local rules.

Vehicle stopped after a collision with an animal
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What should you do before crossing behind a bus or large vehicle?

428. What should you do before crossing behind a bus or large vehicle?

Listen for traffic and cross if you hear none.
Stay close behind the vehicle while crossing.
Cross if the nearest traffic lane appears clear.
✓ Wait until you have a clear view of the road.

Large vehicles can block your view and hide you from drivers. Wait until you can clearly see the road before crossing.

Pedestrian preparing to cross behind a bus
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What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

429. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Main beam.
Rear fog lights.
Sidelights.
Dipped headlights.

This symbol indicates that the main beam headlights are switched on. Main beam illuminates the road farther ahead but can dazzle other road users, so it should be changed to dipped headlights when necessary.

Main-beam headlight symbol on the dashboard
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What should you do when approaching a narrow road with oncoming traffic?

430. What should you do when approaching a narrow road with oncoming traffic?

Move closer to the road edge without reducing speed.
Maintain your speed if there appears to be enough room.
✓ Slow down and give space when needed.
Expect the oncoming driver to make room for you.

On narrow roads, reduce speed and be prepared to stop or use a suitable passing place. Leave enough space for the oncoming vehicle and avoid forcing either vehicle into an unsafe position.

Oncoming vehicles approaching a narrow stretch of road
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What should you do if the bonnet suddenly opens while you are driving?

431. What should you do if the bonnet suddenly opens while you are driving?

Brake hard immediately, even if traffic is behind you.
✓ Look through any available gap, slow down smoothly, and stop safely.
Continue driving by looking through the side window.
Accelerate briefly to try to close the bonnet.

The bonnet may completely obstruct your view. Avoid sudden movements, use the road markings or available gap to maintain direction, and stop safely.

Raised bonnet obstructing the driver's forward view
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do at a railway crossing with warning lights flashing?

432. What should you do at a railway crossing with warning lights flashing?

Continue if you cannot see or hear a train.
✓ Stop before the crossing and wait until it is safe to proceed.
Follow the vehicle ahead across the tracks.
Cross quickly before the train reaches the crossing.

Flashing warning lights mean a train may be approaching. Stop before the crossing and wait until the warning has ended and the crossing is clear.

Flashing warning lights at a railway crossing
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Why should you avoid sounding the horn near horses?

433. Why should you avoid sounding the horn near horses?

Horses cannot hear a vehicle horn clearly.
The rider may think you are signalling them to stop.
✓ The noise may frighten them.
The horn may make the horse move faster.

Horses can be startled by sudden or loud noises and may move unpredictably. Slow down, give them plenty of space, and avoid using the horn unless necessary.

Vehicle approaching a horse and rider
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you approach a sharp bend on a mountain road?

434. How should you approach a sharp bend on a mountain road?

Move toward the centre of the road for a better view.
Overtake just before entering the bend.
✓ Reduce speed before the bend and remain in your lane.
Accelerate through the bend to maintain momentum.

Mountain bends may hide oncoming vehicles, cyclists, animals, or debris. Slow down before entering and keep a safe road position.

Sharp bend on a mountain road
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What should you do about a chip in the windscreen?

435. What should you do about a chip in the windscreen?

Cover the chip so it cannot spread.
Wait until the chip becomes a larger crack.
✓ Have it assessed and repaired promptly.
Clean the glass and continue driving normally.

A chip can obstruct your view, weaken the glass, and develop into a larger crack. Have it checked and repaired promptly.

Stone chip in a vehicle's windscreen
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What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

436. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Electronic stability control.
Low tyre pressure.
✓ Four-wheel-drive system.
Differential lock.

This symbol relates to the vehicle's four-wheel-drive system, which can transmit power to all four wheels. The exact symbol and operating modes vary between vehicles.

Four-wheel-drive system symbol on the dashboard
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What is the purpose of heated door mirrors?

437. What is the purpose of heated door mirrors?

To adjust the mirror angle.
To fold the mirrors automatically.
✓ To clear mist or ice from the mirror glass.
To improve the headlights.

Heated door mirrors warm the mirror glass to help clear mist, condensation, or light ice and improve rearward visibility. On some vehicles, they operate together with the rear-window demister.

Heated door-mirror control and demisting function
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What should cyclists do when passing pedestrians on a shared path?

438. What should cyclists do when passing pedestrians on a shared path?

✓ Slow down, give warning, and leave enough space.
Assume they will hear you approaching.
Pass quickly before they change direction.
Use your bell and keep the same speed.

Pedestrians may change direction unexpectedly. A warning and safe passing distance reduce the risk of a collision.

Cyclist passing pedestrians on a shared path
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What may happen when you press the accelerator fully in an automatic vehicle?

439. What may happen when you press the accelerator fully in an automatic vehicle?

The transmission selects Park.
✓ The transmission may shift to a lower gear for stronger acceleration.
The engine switches off.
The parking brake applies automatically.

In many automatic vehicles, pressing the accelerator fully can activate kickdown, causing the transmission to select a lower gear and provide stronger acceleration.

Accelerator-pedal operation for automatic kickdown
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Does opening a window make an alcohol-impaired driver safe?

440. Does opening a window make an alcohol-impaired driver safe?

Yes, because fresh air helps you sober up.
✓ No, fresh air does not remove alcohol from the body.
Yes, but only when driving slowly.
Yes, if you also drink some water.

Fresh air may make someone feel more awake, but it does not reduce their alcohol concentration or restore safe driving ability.

Open car window and an alcohol-impaired driver
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the service brakes fail while driving?

441. What should you do if the service brakes fail while driving?

✓ Reduce speed using other available braking methods and stop safely.
Apply the parking brake suddenly at full force.
Switch off the engine immediately while moving.
Shift into neutral and let the vehicle coast to a stop.

Remain calm, warn other road users, and use other available braking methods to reduce speed. This may include engine braking or a lower gear, and careful use of the parking or emergency brake according to the vehicle's design. Steer toward the safest available stopping area.

Vehicle braking-system failure while driving
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before changing lanes?

442. What should you do before changing lanes?

✓ Check your mirrors and blind spot.
Check the blind spot only after starting to move.
Speed up and move over before nearby traffic catches up.
Check only the lane directly beside you.

Always check your mirrors, look over your shoulder if necessary, and make sure it is safe before changing lanes.

Driver checking surrounding traffic before changing lanes
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What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

443. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Cruise control.
✓ Driving mode selection.
Parking assistance.
Four-wheel drive.

This control selects a driving mode. Depending on the vehicle, different modes can alter characteristics such as accelerator response, steering assistance, transmission behaviour or energy use.

Selector for the vehicle's driving modes
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What is the minimum licence for a motorcycle with more than 35 kW?

444. What is the minimum licence for a motorcycle with more than 35 kW?

Licence A1.
Licence AM.
Licence B.
✓ Licence A.

Category A2 is limited to motorcycles with power not exceeding 35 kW. A motorcycle with more than 35 kW therefore requires category A.

Motorcycle with more than 35 kW
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What is the purpose of the anti-dazzle control on the rear-view mirror?

445. What is the purpose of the anti-dazzle control on the rear-view mirror?

To heat the rear window.
To adjust the exterior mirrors.
To activate the reversing camera.
✓ To reduce glare from headlights behind.

The anti-dazzle setting reduces glare from the headlights of vehicles behind, helping the driver maintain a clear view without being dazzled.

Anti-dazzle control on an interior rear-view mirror
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What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

446. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

The parking brake is applied.
✓ A door is open.
The airbag system has a fault.
The seat belt is not fastened.

This symbol indicates that one or more vehicle doors are not fully closed. Check that all doors are securely shut before driving.

Door-open warning symbol on the dashboard
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Why should you leave extra space when following a large vehicle?

447. Why should you leave extra space when following a large vehicle?

✓ To improve your view ahead and give yourself more time to react.
To make it easier for the large vehicle to accelerate.
To make overtaking possible without checking ahead.
To prevent the large vehicle from changing lanes.

A large vehicle can block your view of traffic, signs, junctions, or hazards ahead. Leaving extra space improves your view and gives you more time to react if traffic slows or a hazard develops.

Large vehicle limiting a following driver's view
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Which licence category is mainly associated with mopeds?

448. Which licence category is mainly associated with mopeds?

Licence B.
Licence C.
Licence D.
✓ Licence AM.

Driving licence AM is mainly associated with mopeds. Category AM covers mopeds with a design speed above 25 km/h and up to 45 km/h.

Moped and category AM driving licence
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Why is a microsleep especially dangerous while driving?

449. Why is a microsleep especially dangerous while driving?

It usually makes you drive more slowly.
It makes the steering feel heavier.
✓ You can lose awareness of the road for several seconds.
It normally happens only when the vehicle is stopped.

A microsleep is a brief, involuntary episode of sleep that can last for a few seconds. During that time, you may lose awareness of the road and travel a considerable distance without reacting to hazards.

Driver losing alertness at the wheel
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Which licence category is mainly associated with buses?

450. Which licence category is mainly associated with buses?

Licence B.
Licence A.
✓ Licence D.
Licence C.

Driving licence D is mainly associated with buses. Category D1 covers smaller buses, D covers larger buses, and D1E and DE allow heavier trailers.

Bus and category D driving licence
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