Posted in Portugal forum
Hi, folks. I live in the USA and only speak English. I tried using Google and couldn't find the answer to my question.
If I understand it correctly, lane splitting (motorcycles riding between lanes of traffic) is tolerated in Portugal, but I am trying to ascertain if it is technically legal. If anyone can provide a credible cite that answers my question, I would appreciate it. Thanks.
Lane splitting in Portugal - legal?
posted by Carlos Ribeiro in Portugal forum
f you are a driver of a vehicle, it has certainly been overtaken by motorcycles that have used the space between car lines to “get away” from traffic jams. You have probably also wondered if this practice is legal and what behavior you should take in these cases.
This practice (known as filtering or lane splitting among motorcyclists) is an infringement as the overtaking rules laid down in the Road Code are the same for everyone.
According to the Code, when there is more than one lane in the same direction, and vehicles, due to the intensity of traffic, occupy the entire lane intended for that purpose, with the speed of each dependent on who goes ahead, drivers cannot exit the queue to the right, except to change direction, stop or park. Those who do not respect this rule can be sanctioned with a fine ranging between 120 and 600 euros.
If driving on parallel roads and traffic is not conditioned (ie there are conditions to safely overtake), the vehicle in front may be overtaken provided that:
the maneuver is made from the left (in case of infringement the applicable fine is € 250 to € 1,250, although there are exceptions);
The driver must ensure that he can maneuver without danger of collision with the vehicle traveling in the same direction or, if applicable, in the opposite direction.In addition to complying with these rules, when driving, the driver must ensure that:
the lane is free (in length and width) for safe maneuvering;
may take the right without danger to other drivers;
no driver following the same road or the one immediately to the left has started maneuvering to overtake him;
the driver preceding it on the same road has not indicated its intention to overtake a third vehicle or to circumvent an obstacle;
when overtaking bicycles or passing pedestrians traveling around or on the side of the road, keep the minimum lateral distance of 1.5 meters and slow down.These rules apply to all vehicles.