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Traffic rules in Madeira

Information document for the lessee

In accordance with Decreto Legislativo Regional 7/2025/M, this document summarises the main traffic rules applicable in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. Full compliance with the Portuguese Highway Code is the sole responsibility of the driver.

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Speed limits

  • Within urban areas: 50 km/h
  • VR1 (Madeira's expressway): 90 km/h by default, with stretches at 100 km/h in good conditions
  • Regional roads (ER) and mountain roads: often 50–70 km/h depending on the stretch
  • Outside urban areas (other roads): up to 90 km/h
  • In adverse conditions (heavy rain, fog, wet road): reduce speed to a safe limit

Local signage always prevails over these general limits.

Blood alcohol

  • General limit: 0.5 g/L
  • Drivers with less than 3 years of licence: 0.2 g/L
  • Above these values: serious infraction; above 1.2 g/L: public crime
  • Recommendation: do not drive after consuming alcohol

Mandatory equipment

All mandatory equipment is supplied on board at the time of delivery — the lessor hands over the vehicle with everything in order and in compliance with the law.

  • Reflective vest
  • Warning triangle
  • Spare tyre
  • Vehicle documents — must remain in the vehicle at all times

Right of way

  • Roundabout: priority to those already inside. The outer lane is the exit lane — use it only when leaving at the next exit. In all other cases, drive in the inner lane and move to the outer lane only just before your exit (with signal). Driving around the entire roundabout in the outer lane is incorrect and one of the most frequent causes of accidents in Madeira involving local and foreign drivers — in many countries roundabouts are rare, in Madeira they are very common.
  • Unsigned junction: priority to the right
  • Emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire brigade, police, INEM): yield immediately
  • Signage and road markings take precedence over general rules

Driving in Madeira

  • Mountain roads with sharp curves and steep descents
  • Use engine braking (lower gears) on long descents — prevents brake overheating
  • If you smell burning or see smoke from the brakes, stop in a safe place and let them cool naturally — DO NOT pour water on the brakes or discs
  • On narrow roads with oncoming vehicles, slow down and yield if necessary
  • DO NOT drive through waterfalls, levadas or water crossings
  • DO NOT drive on unpaved tracks — prohibited by the rental terms

Parking

  • Solid yellow lines parallel to the pavement or road: no parking
  • Spaces with blue lines: paid parking — always check the parking meter next to the parking area for prices, free periods (if any), and which mobile app is available for that area (common example: iParque, but not all areas accept the same app)
  • Spaces marked with the letter «M»: for residents of the area only
  • Spaces marked «TAXI» (on the ground or on a sign): taxis only
  • Spaces with a «Reservado» (Reserved) sign: reserved for specific entities (e.g. government, police, other public or private bodies) — prohibited for other drivers
  • Spaces with a yellow X on the ground: loading and unloading zone (only)
  • Reduced mobility spaces: only with a valid card
  • In Funchal and urban centres: respect signage and limited-time parking zones
  • Do not block access to residences, garages or shops
  • Fines: can be contested within 30 days with the issuing authority

In case of accident

  • In case of injuries or imminent danger: call 112
  • Put on the reflective vest and place the warning triangle
  • Do not admit or assume fault to third parties
  • Contact Autorentacar immediately — we coordinate communication with the authorities and the insurer
  • Photograph the scene and damage before moving the vehicle, if safe to do so

Useful contacts

  • 112 — Emergency services (PSP, GNR, INEM, Fire brigade)
  • Autorentacar — lessee assistance, see footer

9. Contact Information