Driving in the Algarve

Before you rent a car in the Algarve, there are a few things you should know:

Portuguese drive on the right side of the road.
The use of safety belts is always compulsory.
Driving and drinking is not recommended. When you drive the legal maximum alcohol level is restricted to 0.5g/l, the equivalent of a small beer.
Usually, vehicles approaching from the right have priority, except when the signs tell the contrary.
The speed limits are 60km in built-up areas, 90 km out of the residential areas and 120 km on motorways.

Zero Tolerance
Traffic police have for some time been operating a zero tolerance policy towards drink driving, speeding and dangerous driving. Fines are severe and for high levels of alcohol or speed you are likely to end up in jail.
Portuguese roads do have radar traps and roadside cameras (sometimes hidden). The police also stop cars at random to check documents and drivers. They don’t have to have a reason to breath-test you other than the fact that you are driving.