British drivers living in Europe could be impacted by a new treaty between the UK and a popular European tourist hotspot.
A new agreement has been confirmed between the UK and the Portuguese Government on the “mutual recognition for the purpose of driving and exchange of driving licences”.
The treaty, which was presented to Parliament this month, outlines that there will be mutual recognition for the purposes of driving and exchange of full and valid driving licences by the UK and Portugal.
Both nations shall recognise the driving licences for the categories contained in them and for the term of validity granted by the issuing authorities of the other country.
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Expats could benefit from the new agreement between the UK and Portugal
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One of the nations may require that a driver holding a driving licence issued by the other should notify the other country upon acquiring residency in the other nation.
In the event of renewal, loss, theft, changes in details or endorsement of new categories, the UK and Portugal shall exchange the other country’s driving licence.
This will take place without the driver needing to take a test for all categories to which they are normally and lawfully entitled.
When a UK driving licence holder is normally and lawfully a resident in Portugal and requests to exchange their driving licence, the exchange shall be carried out in accordance with domestic legislation.
The same applies to any Portuguese people living in the UK and will take place “without prejudice to the provisions of this agreement”.
The agreement will enter into force 30 days after the date of receipt of the last notification through diplomatic channels that everything has been confirmed.
In a boost for drivers in the UK and in Portugal, the Agreement will remain in force for an unlimited period of time.
If a Briton owns a vehicle in Portugal, they should ensure they carry a vehicle logbook, insurance, road tax and an MOT certificate with them.
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When requested by the Portuguese authorities, drivers are advised to prepare to show these documents, as well as their original passport and driving licence.
If a British person has a Blue Badge and lives in Portugal, they must return it to the original issuing authority.
They can still apply for a new Portuguese disabled parking card, which is free and can be accessed through the Portuguese Institute for Transport.
Similar legislation was introduced in October to introduce a new agreement between the UK and Italy to see mutual recognition of driving licences.
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Drivers are being urged to check to see if they will be affected by the rules
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Holders of an Italian licence may exchange their licence without taking theory or practical tests if they are a resident in the UK regardless of when they acquired residence.
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