Porto

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Road and Pedestrian Safety

Sections

Road and Pedestrian Safety in Porto, Portugal

Traffic Rules

  • Driving Side: Vehicles drive on the right side of the road.
  • Speed Limits:
    • Urban areas: 50 km/h
    • Non-urban areas: 90 km/h
    • Motorways: 120 km/h
  • Seat Belts: Mandatory for all passengers.
  • Mobile Phones: Use of handheld devices while driving is prohibited.
  • Alcohol Limit: Legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. For novice drivers (less than 3 years), the limit is 0.02%.

Pedestrian Crossings

  • Zebra Crossings: Always yield to pedestrians at marked crossings.
  • Traffic Lights: Pedestrians must wait for the green pedestrian signal before crossing.
  • Sidewalks: Use sidewalks where available; walking on roads is discouraged.

Public Transportation Safety

  • Buses and Trams:
    • Wait for vehicles to stop completely before boarding.
    • Hold onto handrails while standing.
  • Metro:
    • Stand behind the yellow line on platforms.
    • Be cautious of closing doors.
  • Tickets: Validate tickets before boarding to avoid fines (around €120 for fare evasion).

Common Road Hazards

  • Narrow Streets: Many streets in Porto are narrow and winding; be cautious of oncoming traffic.
  • Bicycles and Scooters: Increasingly common; watch for cyclists, especially in bike lanes.
  • Weather Conditions: Rain can make roads slippery; drive cautiously during wet conditions.

Local Driving Culture

  • Aggressive Driving: Expect some aggressive driving behavior; maintain a defensive driving approach.
  • Parking: Limited parking in the city center; use designated parking areas. Illegal parking fines can range from €30 to €150.
  • Roundabouts: Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.

Costs Related to Transportation

  • Public Transport:
    • Single ticket: €1.20
    • 24-hour pass: €4.15
  • Taxi: Starting fare around €3.25, with additional costs per kilometer.
  • Car Rental: Prices vary; expect around €30-€60 per day, plus fuel costs.

Fines and Penalties

  • Speeding: Fines range from €60 to €600 depending on severity.
  • Seat Belt Violation: Fines around €120.
  • Mobile Phone Use: Fines can reach €600.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

  • Stay Alert: Avoid distractions like mobile phones while walking.
  • Cross at Designated Areas: Always use pedestrian crossings.
  • Night Walking: Wear visible clothing and stay in well-lit areas.

Safety Tips for Drivers

  • Check Blind Spots: Be vigilant of pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Use Indicators: Always signal when changing lanes or turning.
  • Parking: Ensure your vehicle is locked and valuables are out of sight.

Emergency Contacts

  • Police: 112
  • Ambulance: 112
  • Fire Department: 112

Conclusion

Adhering to local traffic rules, being aware of your surroundings, and practicing common sense will enhance safety for both pedestrians and drivers in Porto.