Whenever riding on public roads, cyclists must carry a personal identification document, such as a citizen card or passport, otherwise they will incur a fine ranging from €.60.00 to €.300.00, which may be reduced by half if the cyclist presents the document to the authorities within a maximum of eight days.
This document may be replaced by a mobile app that allows the verification of the data contained in such documents, or by a digital driving license, if applicable. Since January 1 this year, a mobile app provided by the Portuguese Agency for Administrative Modernization (https://id.gov.pt/) has been available for Android and iOS. Presenting the documents through this app has the same legal effect as the citizen card and the driver’s license.
Bicycles do not have registration plates or registration, nor are they required to have civil liability insurance, although some insurance companies offer insurance that includes, in a single package, coverage for personal accidents, civil liability, travel assistance and transportation.
On the other hand, the cyclist does not need to have a driver’s license. But it is recommended that they know the Highway Code, namely the rules for the circulation of bicycles and the main traffic signs.
Rules such as riding in the rightmost lane and yielding the right of way, as with any other vehicle (especially at intersections), are rules that cyclists must follow. For example, if a cyclist fails to respect forbidden traffic signs or rides in the wrong direction, this constitutes a serious offence, punishable by a fine and a driving ban from one month to one year, and the loss of two points on the driver’s license. Cyclists may only ride on the road, on the side of the road, on cycle tracks (if any), or on the lanes reserved for public transport, depending on municipal regulations. Minors up to 10 years old are allowed to ride on sidewalks, if they do not endanger or disturb pedestrians.
03/03/2022