The roads of Portugal are always busy, however, with the exception of the motorways people generally stick to the official speed limits. These speed limits include 120km/h on the motorways, 90km/h on the open roads and 50km/h in urban areas. Motorways also have a minimum speed limit of 40km/h. People who have held their full licence for less than a year are limited to 90km/h even on the motorways in Portugal.

The Portuguese motorways are very good and generally they are very well signposted. They are, however, toll roads and so you will need payment whenever you come across a toll gate. At present there are four on the main A1 motorway and at least one on each of the other main roads. If you don't have payment you will be fined on the spot.

Other busy roads in Portugal often have three lanes although the middle lane can be used for overtaking in both directions and so care should be taken here. Many small towns and villages still operate one way systems that are known to cause congestion and confusion and so you should know the meaning of the road signs before driving around.

Portuguese law states that you must have a warning triangle in the car at all times. You must also have all of the documentation that applies to the car and a valid licence to drive it. In general, Portuguese drivers are very polite and they appreciate politeness in return. They don't appreciate slow overtaking on the motorways though and this is something you should try to avoid doing.