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Driving in Bahrain vs. Portugal: Key Safety Differences

When comparing the driving regulations in Bahrain and Portugal, notable distinctions emerge that impact road safety and navigation. While Bahrain enforces strict alcohol limits and comprehensive vehicle inspections, Portugal's traffic management includes variable speed limits and mandatory emergency equipment. Understanding these contrasts fosters safer travel experiences in both nations.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
bahrain:
Indicates separation, no crossing unless during emergencies.
portugal:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
bahrain:
Typically used to indicate a turning lane or lane merging.
portugal:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
bahrain:
Generally not allowed unless in multi-lane roads.
portugal:
Prohibited.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
bahrain:
List length: 4
portugal:
List length: 5
Bus Lanes: Usage
bahrain:
Reserved for buses during peak hours.
portugal:
Reserved for buses and taxis.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
bahrain:
Yes, but limited.
portugal:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
bahrain:
Primarily on designated routes.
portugal:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
bahrain:
Bicycle symbols and white lines.
portugal:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
bahrain:
N/A
portugal:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bahrain:
No
portugal:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bahrain:
N/A
portugal:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
bahrain:
30-40 km/h
portugal:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
bahrain:
80-100 km/h
portugal:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
bahrain:
80-100 km/h
portugal:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
bahrain:
80 km/h
portugal:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
bahrain:
100-120 km/h
portugal:
120 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
bahrain:
80-100 km/h
portugal:
90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bahrain:
No
portugal:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bahrain:
N/A
portugal:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
bahrain:
Yes, both on-the-spot and mailed fines
portugal:
Possible

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
bahrain:
Not used in Bahrain
portugal:
Not used in Portugal
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
bahrain:
Signal when entering and exiting
portugal:
Signal when exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
bahrain:
Unnecessary use discouraged in residential areas
portugal:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Horn Usage: Penalties
bahrain:
Fines for misuse
portugal:
Fines may apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
bahrain:
To warn other drivers of your presence
portugal:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
bahrain:
Used as a signal of road rage or aggression
portugal:
Not to be used to signal other messages
Traffic Signs: Language
bahrain:
Arabic and English; symbols are standard
portugal:
Portuguese; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
bahrain:
Triangular with a red border
portugal:
Triangular-shaped with white background and red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
bahrain:
Not allowed unless indicated by a sign
portugal:
Prohibited
U- Turns Allowed
bahrain:
Permitted unless no U-turn sign is present
portugal:
Allowed at intersections unless signs prohibit

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
bahrain:
International Driving Permit often required
portugal:
Accepted; no additional permit required
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
bahrain:
International Driving Permit required
portugal:
International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short visits
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
bahrain:
Annual vehicle inspections mandatory
portugal:
Periodic inspections required; proof may be required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
bahrain:
Displayed on windshield
portugal:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bahrain:
Recommended, but not mandatory
portugal:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bahrain:
Recommended, but not mandatory
portugal:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
bahrain:
Moderate horn use compared to some countries
portugal:
Less frequent use compared to some countries

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
bahrain:
0.00%
portugal:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
bahrain:
0.00%
portugal:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
bahrain:
0.00%
portugal:
0.02%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
bahrain:
Zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol
portugal:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
Enforcement: Random Checks
bahrain:
Common, especially during nighttime
portugal:
Common, especially during holidays
Enforcement: Fines
bahrain:
Substantial; both fines and imprisonment possible
portugal:
Varies; can be substantial
Test Refusal
bahrain:
Can result in license suspension and legal actions
portugal:
Can result in license suspension

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
bahrain:
999
portugal:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
bahrain:
999
portugal:
Contact local authorities
Contact: Roadside Assistance
bahrain:
Contact your insurance provider
portugal:
Check with your insurance provider or ACP
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bahrain:
Recommended, but not mandatory
portugal:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bahrain:
Recommended, but not mandatory
portugal:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
bahrain:
Varies; substantial fines, possible license suspension
portugal:
Varies; €60 to €2,500, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
bahrain:
High fines, possible imprisonment
portugal:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
bahrain:
Fines for non-compliance
portugal:
€120 to €600
Common Fines: Phone Use
bahrain:
Fines applicable for using mobile phones while driving
portugal:
€240 to €1,200
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
bahrain:
Heavy fines, possible license points
portugal:
€120 to €600
Payment: On The Spot
bahrain:
Possible; fines can also be paid online
portugal:
Possible
Payment: Deadline
bahrain:
Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay
portugal:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay