Stop
STOP
Stop completely and give way to all traffic on the road you are joining.
What to do: Stop at the line even if the road is clear, then go when it is safe.
Priority and junctions
Give way
Cedência de passagem
Give way to traffic on the road you are joining.
What to do: Slow down, and stop if needed to let traffic pass.
Priority road
Via com prioridade
You have priority at the junctions ahead.
What to do: Carry on, but watch for drivers pulling out. Without this sign, traffic from the right has priority at unmarked junctions.
Roundabout ahead
Rotunda
There is a roundabout ahead.
What to do: Slow down and give way to traffic already on the roundabout.
Roundabout
Rotunda
Drive round the roundabout anticlockwise.
What to do: Give way before entering. Use the right-hand lane only for the first exit.
No entry
Sentido proibido
No entry for any vehicle in this direction.
What to do: Do not enter. The street is usually one-way against you.
Speed and cameras
Average speed check
Velocidade média (sinal H42)
Start of a road section where your average speed between two points is measured.
What to do: Keep to the limit for the whole section. Slowing down only at the cameras does not help.
Speed camera ahead
Radar de velocidade instantânea (sinal H43)
A fixed SINCRO camera that measures your speed at one point is a few metres ahead.
What to do: Check your speed now. The camera is just ahead.
Speed limit
Velocidade máxima
Maximum speed in km/h from this point.
What to do: Keep to the limit until another sign changes it.
Minimum speed
Velocidade mínima
You must not drive slower than this speed.
What to do: Keep at or above this speed unless traffic or conditions make it unsafe.
Motorways and overtaking
Motorway
Autoestrada
Start of a motorway.
What to do: The limit is 120 km/h and the minimum is 50 km/h. Check how the road is tolled before you join.
Road for motor vehicles only
Via reservada a automóveis e motociclos
Start of a road reserved for cars and motorcycles.
What to do: The limit is 100 km/h unless signposted otherwise. Give way when you join from the slip road.
No overtaking
Proibição de ultrapassar
Overtaking motor vehicles is banned from here.
What to do: Stay behind the vehicle in front until the restriction ends.
Warnings
Pedestrian crossing ahead
Passagem de peões
There is a pedestrian crossing ahead.
What to do: Slow down and be ready to stop for people crossing.
Zones and parking
No parking
Estacionamento proibido
Parking is banned. Stopping briefly is allowed.
What to do: Do not leave the car here.
No stopping
Paragem e estacionamento proibidos
Stopping and parking are both banned.
What to do: Do not stop here, even briefly.
Parking
Estacionamento
Parking is allowed here.
What to do: Check any plate below for times, fees or a time limit.
Words on the signs
| On the sign | Means |
|---|---|
| Rotunda | Roundabout |
| Cedência de passagem | Give way |
| Sentido proibido | No entry |
| Sentido único | One way |
| Controlo de velocidade | Speed check |
| Velocidade média | Average speed Seen on average speed camera signs. |
| Zona de acidentes | Accident zone |
| Obras | Roadworks |
| Desvio | Detour |
| Todas as direções | All directions |
Drawings follow the official designs described by Portugal's road authorities. Real signs vary a little in size and lettering. The full guide to driving in Portugal