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Driving in the Bahamas vs. Portugal: Key Differences

When it comes to road regulations, the Bahamas and Portugal present intriguing contrasts. From driving on opposite sides to varying speed limits and traffic protocols, understanding these distinctions is essential for a secure journey. Delve into this comparison to grasp the unique driving cultures and ensure your travels are safe and compliant abroad.

Lanes

Driving Side
bahamas:
Left
portugal:
Right
Overtaking: On Right
bahamas:
Not allowed.
portugal:
Prohibited.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
bahamas:
Use leftmost lane.
portugal:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
bahamas:
Not common.
portugal:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
bahamas:
N/A
portugal:
Reserved for buses and taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
bahamas:
N/A
portugal:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
bahamas:
No
portugal:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
bahamas:
N/A
portugal:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
bahamas:
N/A
portugal:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bahamas:
No
portugal:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bahamas:
N/A
portugal:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
bahamas:
25 mph
portugal:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
bahamas:
25 mph
portugal:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
bahamas:
45 mph
portugal:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
bahamas:
45 mph
portugal:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
bahamas:
45 mph
portugal:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
bahamas:
No highways
portugal:
120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
bahamas:
No highways
portugal:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
bahamas:
No highways
portugal:
90 km/h
Speed Units
bahamas:
mph
portugal:
km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bahamas:
No
portugal:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bahamas:
N/A
portugal:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
bahamas:
Yes
portugal:
Possible

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
bahamas:
Not used
portugal:
Not used in Portugal
Traffic Signs: Language
bahamas:
English; symbols are standard
portugal:
Portuguese; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
bahamas:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
portugal:
Triangular-shaped with white background and red border

Turns

U- Turns Allowed
bahamas:
Varies by location; check for signs
portugal:
Allowed at intersections unless signs prohibit

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
bahamas:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
portugal:
Accepted; no additional permit required
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
bahamas:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
portugal:
International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short visits
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
bahamas:
Yes, annual inspections required for all vehicles
portugal:
Periodic inspections required; proof may be required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
bahamas:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
portugal:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bahamas:
Not mandatory
portugal:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bahamas:
Not mandatory
portugal:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
bahamas:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
portugal:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
bahamas:
0.08%
portugal:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
bahamas:
0.05%
portugal:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
bahamas:
0.00%; zero tolerance
portugal:
0.02%
Enforcement: Random Checks
bahamas:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
portugal:
Common, especially during holidays

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
bahamas:
Signal left when preparing to exit
portugal:
Signal right when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
bahamas:
919
portugal:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
bahamas:
911
portugal:
Contact local authorities
Contact: Roadside Assistance
bahamas:
Check with your insurance provider
portugal:
Check with your insurance provider or ACP
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bahamas:
Not mandatory, but recommended
portugal:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bahamas:
Not mandatory, but recommended
portugal:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
bahamas:
Varies; $50 to $500, points on license
portugal:
Varies; €60 to €2,500, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
bahamas:
$25 to $200, points may apply
portugal:
€120 to €600
Common Fines: Phone Use
bahamas:
$50 to $300, points may apply
portugal:
€240 to €1,200
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
bahamas:
$100 to $500, points on license
portugal:
€120 to €600
Payment: On The Spot
bahamas:
Yes; can also be paid online or by mail
portugal:
Possible