Regarding driving rules in mainland Portugal, in the Azores the great difference that exists is the maximum speed limits, which are lower than in mainland Portugal.
The maximum speed allowed on the roads of the island of the Azores is 100 Km / Hour.
In all other respects, the driving rules are national.
The legislation on seat belts in Portugal makes it mandatory for the driver and all passengers to wear safety belts while the car is in motion.
Failure to do so will incur fine.
The maximum level of alcohol allowed in the Portugal is 50mg per 100ml of blood. That means even a single drink can push you to the limit.
For this reason and in order to avoid problems, we recommend that, if you drink, call a taxi.
You should always have your valid identification document, valid driving title and all documentation that has been delivered with the vehicle.
50 km per hour, within the localities
80 km per hour, out of localities
100 km per hour on the expressways
Be aware that speed limits are controlled by unrated cars and unidentified radars.
To drive a car in the Azores must be 18 years of age minimum, but to rent a car the minimum age is 23 or sometimes 25.
You can still rent a car, under the age of 23, paying a fee.
Radar warning devices are illegal in Portugal and, even if caught with one, connected or not, will be confiscated and fined.
No child under the age of 12 may sit in the front, and when in the rear of the car, must have a suitable restraint system that complies with EU regulations. When renting your car with us you can ask for chairs and safety seats for children.
All rental cars have insurance with third-party protection, but we recommend extra protection from All-risk Insurance or Zero Franchise.
Give priority to those who follow to their right, unless otherwise indicated.
When entering a roundabout should give priority to those already in it.
Whenever you stop, do not forget to turn on the flashers.
On poorly lit roads you should drive slow and carefully.
Whenever there is a breakdown on the road, do not forget to turn on the four blinkers, wear the safety vest before getting out of the car and immediately place the warning triangle on the road.
Do not overtake over continuous lines.
It is forbidden to park less than five meters before or after a crossing.
You should not park on entrances or garages that give access to properties. If you do, your car may be towed.
In urban centers you will find paid parking areas, using parking meters with automatic payment, in order to avoid fines, you should always pay their parking lots.
Application
The application of parking rules is done by agents of the parking company itself. Any resulting parking penalty in the rental period will be sent to your address of residence, so we recommend payment on time in order to avoid fees and other costs.
In the Azores you find special parking places for people with disabilities, you should always look for the signal or ask any agent.
Portuguese traffic lights follow the conventions of the Vienna agreement and so should be familiar to most drivers. You cannot turn right on a red light unless indicated and you should also be aware that many local drivers run red lights.
In the Azores islands there is no road or highway with tolls or payments.
The emergency number for the Azores / Portugal is the European standard 112.
What to do in an emergency ?
If you have problems with your rental car, you should immediately contact the PSP (Public Security Police) which is the competent authority in case of accidents by the number 112.
In the event of a breakdown, you should find a safe place to stop the car, before leaving the car wear the safety vest and place the fault signal, then you must call the Travel assistance number found on the Insurance Policy. Safe.
In no case should you stop calling the authorities, or accept friendly agreements without the presence of a police authority.