Algarve Car Rental: some driving tips

Here are some Algarve car rental tips in driving to make your stay in the Algarve enjoyable, relaxing and safe, especially for those who want to personally drive their rented car.

While you will be assured of a personalized, prompt and reliable service 24 hours a day, there are some things that you should know and remember about how you should go about while driving around the Algarve.

You should have a valid driver’s license or an international driver’s license and must be at least 21 years old. Traffic in the Algarve, Portugal moves in the right side of the road. This is very important.

Speed limits should also be strictly followed. In built-up areas (inside villages, cities or towns), the speed limit is 50 km/h (30mph). In outside villages, cities or towns, the speed limit is 90 km/h (45 mph). In the motorways, cars can run up to 120 km/h (72 mph).

You should not forget that for those who avail car hire in Algarve, car documents as well as its insurance must be kept in the vehicle. In the event of a traffic rule violation, the Police may impose “on the spot” fines, payment of which may be immediate either in cash or using a credit card.

Car hire in Algarve Portugal strictly requires wearing of seatbelts. These are provided in back and front of a vehicle. These must be worn at all times. When you have children under 12 years old with you during your trip, remember to specify a car with child’s seat of their ages. They are not permitted to sit in the front seat. They should be kept fastened on their chairs at all times during the trip.

Now give special attention this one. When you are at the junction of two roads of equal importance, remember that unless otherwise signaled, traffic from the right always has priority. Also, vehicles in a traffic circle or roundabout always have priority over those vehicles that are just about to enter it.

Parking on the side of the road facing the ongoing traffic lane is against the law. This violation puts other drivers in a very dangerous situation because they may not be aware of your presence in the area. At all times, a warning triangle sign and a reflector vest must be carried in the vehicle.

Mobile phone calls are not permitted while the vehicle is in motion. This is another thing that drivers who avail of car hire in Algarve must remember. If there be a need to place or accept a call, you have to stop in a proper place before doing so. In the Algarve, special instruments are provided to enforce speed limit rules. These are made through the use of radar traps, cameras and often unmarked police cars.

To ensure your safety, a driver’s blood alcohol limit is set not to exceed 0.05%. Any driver who exceeds this limit faces penalties that are extremely stiff. Imprisonment may be meted on those with high levels of alcohol. For a pleasurable car hire in Algarve Portugal, remembering these tips would help a lot.