The new road signs came into force in 2020

If you got your driving license a decade ago, you might be surprised the next time you hit the road. The family of Portuguese traffic signs recently expanded by more than 60 new signs, panels, and symbols.

The updated Road Signs Regulation (Regulamento de Sinalização do Trânsito), which officially came into force in April 2020, was implemented by the National Road Safety Authority to align Portugal’s roads with modern European realities.

«Sign of the times» is the perfect way to describe this update. We now have specific signage indicating entry into «Low-Emission Zones» (like the ones implemented in Lisbon), signs for electric car charging stations, and even tourist signs pointing to «Local Accommodations» (Alojamento Local). Furthermore, a major highlight is the introduction of the new «30 km/h Zones» and shared residential cohabitation areas.

While some of these will become part of your daily commute, others will be rare to find. Regardless, as a driver, it is your legal obligation to know them all. Here is the Folime guide to the most important new road signs you need to memorize.

1. New Danger Signs

These triangular signs with red borders warn drivers of imminent hazards on the road ahead.

• A17a – Passage for Bicycles: Indicates the immediate approach of a cycle path crossing the road.
• A19c – Iberian Lynx: Indicates that the road crosses a protected habitat and may be crossed by the endangered Iberian lynx.
• A19d – Amphibians: Warns that the road may be crossed by migrating amphibians (frogs/toads), especially during rain.

2. New Signs of Obligation

These circular, blue signs dictate actions that specific vehicles must take.

• D5c – Mandatory Route for Motorcycles: Indicates a traffic lane reserved exclusively for the mandatory circulation of motorcycles.
• D6a – High Occupancy Vehicle Lane (HOV): Indicates a traffic lane reserved strictly for vehicles carrying two or more people, including the driver (carpooling lane).
• D11c – End of Motorcycle Lane: Indicates the mandatory motorcycle route has ended.
• D17 – End of HOV Lane: Indicates the carpooling lane has ended.

3. New Area and Speed Signs

These rectangular signs define the rules for an entire geographical zone, not just a single street.

• G4a – 30 km/h Zone: Indicates entry into a specific urban zone where the absolute maximum driving speed is limited to 30 km/h (often accompanied by physical traffic calming devices like speed bumps).
• G5c – Low Emission Zone (ZER): Indicates entry into a restricted environmental area. The transit of highly polluting, older vehicles whose emissions exceed the level defined on the additional panel is prohibited here.
• G10 & G11: Indicate the physical end of the 30 km/h zone and the Low Emission Zone, respectively.

4. New Information and Highway Signs

These square, blue signs provide essential information for navigation and safety.

• H14d – Camper Service Area: Indicates a space exclusively designated for motorhomes/RVs to park and service their vehicles.
• H16b – Local Accommodation: Indicates the existence of a registered Alojamento Local (AL) tourist facility.
• H33a, b, c – Toll Payment Methods: These new signs clarify exactly how you can pay at the upcoming toll booth: H33a (Manual cash/card payment with an operator), H33b (Automated machine payment), and H33c (Exclusive lane for ViaCard).
• H46 – Residential Cohabitation Area: Indicates entry into a shared zone where pedestrians and vehicles mix, and pedestrians have absolute priority.
• H49a & H49b – Emergency Stops: Indicate a rest/stop area that can only be used in cases of mechanical emergency or severe danger (H49b includes an emergency SOS telephone).

New Additional Panels and Symbols

The 2020 update also brought new features to the smaller, rectangular «additional panels» that sit directly beneath main signs to clarify their rules.

For example, you will now see new panels indicating that a parking restriction only applies to charging electric vehicles, or a panel that explicitly exempts bicycles from a «No Entry» sign. Furthermore, the electronic Variable Message Signs (VMS) above major highways now feature digital symbols for «Road Closed,» «Traffic Deviation,» and «HOV Lanes» to alert drivers of real-time traffic jams.

💡 A Legal Reminder from the Folime Team:
If there is one thing that doesn’t need a road sign to remind you, it is your Car Insurance. Regardless of whether you are driving in a new 30 km/h zone or on a private dirt road, having active Third-Party Liability Insurance is a strict legal requirement in Portugal.

Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Getting caught driving without insurance results in an immediate fine of between €500 and €2,500, the seizure of your vehicle, the loss of two points on your license, and a potential driving ban of up to a year. Always ensure your Green Card is up to date before you hit the road!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article by Folime is for educational and road safety awareness purposes only. For the complete, official visual catalog of all 60 new traffic signs, please consult the official portal of the Portuguese National Road Safety Authority (ANSR).