Emergency & Breakdown Procedures While Driving in Portugal

Introduction

Portugal has comprehensive emergency infrastructure designed to help drivers in distress, including over 3,000 SOS stations along motorways, a universal 112 emergency number with multilingual operators, and standardized accident reporting procedures through the European Accident Statement (DAAA) system.

This guide walks you through step-by-step protocols for handling breakdowns, accidents, and roadside emergencies in Portugal. You'll learn the immediate safety actions required by law, how to call for help effectively, what documentation you need for insurance claims, and how to prepare your vehicle so you're ready if an emergency occurs.

The information is based on Portuguese road safety regulations, emergency service procedures, and insurance reporting requirements from government sources and official automobile organizations.

Immediate Safety Actions: Your First 60 Seconds

Whether you experience a breakdown, mechanical failure, or minor accident, your immediate priorities are the same: protect yourself and others from traffic, make your vehicle visible, and move people to safety.

Step 1: Turn On Hazard Lights Immediately

As soon as you realize you need to stop, activate your hazard warning lights. This alerts drivers behind you that your vehicle is experiencing problems and begins creating a safety buffer.

Step 2: Move to Safety If Possible

If your vehicle is still operational:

• Steer toward the hard shoulder (on motorways) or emergency lay-by
• Move as far right as safely possible
• Avoid stopping in traffic lanes if any alternative exists
• On urban roads, pull into a parking area or side street if accessible

If your vehicle cannot move:

• Don't attempt to push or tow it yourself in traffic
• Focus on personal safety first
• Follow the remaining safety steps from where the vehicle stopped

Step 3: Put On Your High-Visibility Vest BEFORE Exiting

Critical legal requirement: You must wear a high-visibility vest before stepping out of your vehicle on any road, including urban streets. This applies to all occupants who exit the vehicle.

Where to keep vests: They must be inside the vehicle cabin (not in the trunk), accessible to occupants while seated. Keep at least one vest per front-seat occupant, though having vests for all occupants is recommended.

Legal consequences of non-compliance: Not carrying a vest carries fines of €60-300, while not using a vest when required on the road increases to €120-600. More importantly, not wearing a vest puts you at serious risk from passing traffic.

Reference guides:

• Driving Rules in Portugal: Essential Regulations for Expats
• Portugal's Traffic Fines & Penalty Points: What Expats Need to Know

Step 4: Move All Passengers to Safety

On motorways and expressways:

• Exit the vehicle on the side away from traffic (right side)
• Move immediately behind the safety barrier if one exists
• Walk well away from the vehicle (at least 50 meters)
• Keep children and less mobile passengers away from traffic

On roads without barriers:

• Move passengers well off the road surface
• Position yourselves uphill or on flat ground away from the carriageway
• Stay visible to approaching traffic but at a safe distance

Never allow passengers to remain in the vehicle on high-speed roads. The risk of secondary collisions (another vehicle hitting your stopped vehicle) is significant.

Step 5: Place Your Warning Triangle

Legal requirement: Place your warning triangle at least 30 meters behind your vehicle, positioned where it's visible from at least 100 meters away.

Placement strategy:

• On straight roads: 30 meters directly behind
• Before curves: Position the triangle before the curve so approaching drivers see it in time
• On hills: Place on the flat section before the crest
• At night or in fog: Maximum distance possible while maintaining the 30-meter minimum

Safety tip: If placing the triangle requires you to walk in the traffic lane on a high-speed road, and you're already safe behind a barrier, consider whether placing it is worth the risk. Your safety comes first—the hazard lights and your visible vest may be sufficient until assistance arrives.

Calling for Help: Who to Contact and What to Say

Once you and your passengers are safe, your next priority is getting assistance to your location.

112: Portugal's Universal Emergency Number

When to call 112:

• Medical emergencies (injuries, health crisis)
• Accidents with injuries or significant damage
• Vehicle fires
• Hazardous material spills
• Any situation requiring police, ambulance, or fire services
• When you're in immediate danger

What 112 covers:

• Medical emergencies (ambulance dispatch)
• Police response (GNR on motorways/rural roads, PSP in cities)
• Fire services
• Coordination between emergency services

Language capability: Operators typically speak English and French in addition to Portuguese. If you reach an operator who doesn't speak your language, they will transfer you to one who does.

What to tell the 112 operator:

1. Your location (motorway name and direction, kilometer marker, nearest exit, landmarks)
2. Nature of the emergency (accident, breakdown, medical issue)
3. Number of people involved and any injuries
4. Vehicle description and position
5. Whether you're in immediate danger from traffic

Important: Stay on the line until the operator confirms help is dispatched and gives you any specific instructions.

Cost: Calls to 112 are free from any phone, including mobile phones without credit.

Roadside Assistance Services

Your insurance policy: Most comprehensive insurance policies in Portugal include roadside assistance coverage. Check your policy documents for:

• Assistance provider contact number
• Services covered (towing distance, on-site repairs, replacement vehicle)
• Coverage area (Portugal-only or Europe-wide)
• Policy number (required when calling)

ACP (Automóvel Club de Portugal):
The largest automobile club in Portugal provides 24/7 breakdown assistance throughout mainland Portugal via 808 22 22 22.

ACP services include:

• Roadside repairs (94% success rate for on-the-spot fixes)
• Towing to garage of your choice if roadside repair impossible
• Battery jump-starts, fuel delivery, tire changes
• Yellow service vehicles equipped for common repairs

ACP pricing (VAT included) for non-members:

• Monday-Friday, 08:00-20:00: €41.77 call-out + €0.65/km + €6.29 per 15 minutes mechanic work
• Monday-Friday, 20:00-24:00: €62.67 call-out + €0.98/km + €9.47 per 15 minutes
• Nights/weekends/holidays (24:00-08:00): €83.54 call-out + €1.30/km + €12.60 per 15 minutes

Payment: Cash or letters of credit accepted

FIA club members: If you're a member of a foreign automobile club in the FIA SNAKE system (AAA, AA, CAA, ADAC, etc.), you may receive free assistance through reciprocal agreements—present your valid assistance booklet or have your home club confirm coverage when calling.

Rental car breakdown assistance: If you're driving a rental vehicle, contact the rental company's emergency assistance line (provided in your rental documents) before calling other services. Many rental agreements specify which assistance providers to use.

Motorway-Specific Procedures

Motorways and expressways have specialized emergency infrastructure designed to provide rapid assistance to stranded drivers.

SOS Emergency Phones

Location: Orange SOS emergency phones are positioned every 2 kilometers along all Portuguese motorways and major expressways.

How they work:

• Direct connection to traffic control centers
• Automatic location identification (operator knows exactly where you are)
• Free to use (no coins or credit needed)
• Available 24/7
• Priority connection (your call goes through immediately)

When to use SOS phones:

• Your mobile phone has no signal or battery
• You're unsure of your exact location
• You want immediate dispatch without explaining your location
• Any emergency situation on the motorway

What to tell the operator:

• Your direction of travel
• Nature of the problem (breakdown, accident, medical emergency)
• Number of people involved
• Whether you're in immediate danger

Operator response:

• Dispatches appropriate assistance (police, ambulance, breakdown service)
• Provides estimated arrival time
• May give instructions for your safety while waiting
• Stays on line if needed until help arrives

Hard Shoulder Rules

Use the hard shoulder only for emergencies:

• Mechanical breakdown
• Medical emergency
• Vehicle damage requiring immediate stop
• Instruction from police or traffic control

Never use the hard shoulder for:

• Taking phone calls
• Reading maps or checking navigation
• Resting because you're tired
• Non-emergency vehicle adjustments

Legal penalties: Stopping on the hard shoulder without valid emergency reason carries fines of €120-600 and 2-5 penalty points on your license.

If you must stop on the hard shoulder:

1. Use hazard lights immediately
2. Move as far right as possible
3. Follow all immediate safety actions (vest, triangle, passengers to safety)
4. Call for assistance quickly
5. Stay behind the safety barrier until help arrives

Emergency Lay-Bys

Location: Wider emergency stopping areas appear every 2-3 kilometers on most motorways, marked with blue signs showing "SOS" and a parking symbol.

Advantages over hard shoulder:

• Safer position further from traffic flow
• More space to exit vehicle safely
• Often includes SOS phone
• Better visibility for approaching assistance vehicles

Preference: If you can safely reach an emergency lay-by instead of stopping on the hard shoulder, do so—the additional safety margin is significant.

Accident Procedures and Documentation

If you're involved in a traffic accident, additional steps beyond basic safety measures are required to meet legal obligations and protect your insurance claim.

Immediate Post-Accident Actions

After ensuring everyone's safety (hazards, vests, passengers to safety):

1. Assess for injuries:

   • Check yourself and passengers first
   • Check occupants of other vehicles involved
   • If anyone is injured, call 112 immediately

2. Secure the accident scene:

   • Keep hazard lights on
   • Place warning triangles (yours and other driver's) before and after the accident scene
   • Turn off ignitions of all involved vehicles
   • If vehicles are blocking traffic and can be moved safely, move them to the shoulder
   • Take photos of vehicle positions BEFORE moving them

3. Call police if required:

   • Any injuries (call 112)
   • Significant damage to vehicles
   • Damage to public property
   • Disputes about what happened
   • Other driver appears impaired
   • Other driver refuses to provide information or complete accident statement

The DAAA: European Accident Statement

Official name: Declaração Amigável de Acidente Automóvel (DAAA)
Also known as: Constat Amiable, Agreed Accident Statement, European Accident Statement

Purpose: Standardized form used throughout Europe for documenting accidents without police involvement when both parties agree on what happened.

Where to get DAAA forms:

• Your insurance company (usually provided with policy documents)
• Your insurance agent
• Automobile clubs (ACP members receive them)
• Some rental car companies include them in glove compartments
• Download from your insurer's website and keep printed copies

When to use the DAAA:

• Accident involves two vehicles only
• No injuries to people
• Both drivers agree on what happened
• Minor to moderate vehicle damage
• No impairment suspected

When NOT to use the DAAA:

• Any injuries (call 112, police will document)
• More than two vehicles involved
• Drivers disagree about what happened
• Damage to property other than the vehicles
• Hit and run situation
• Suspected impairment
• Significant damage suggesting possible injuries

How to Complete the DAAA

Important: There's only ONE form completed by both drivers—not separate forms for each party. Both drivers sign the same form, and each keeps a copy.

Step-by-step process:

1. Stay calm and cooperative:

   • Be polite with the other driver
   • Avoid admitting fault or blame
   • Focus on facts only
   • Don't sign anything you disagree with

2. Complete your side of the form (Section A if you're Vehicle A, Section B if Vehicle B):

   Each driver provides:

   • Date, time, location of accident
   • Your vehicle information (registration, make, model)
   • Your insurance details (company, policy number)
   • Your personal information (name, address, license number)
   • Damage description to your vehicle
   • Sketch showing positions and movement of vehicles

3. Indicate circumstances (checkboxes):

   • Mark the boxes that describe what your vehicle was doing
   • Be accurate—these boxes help determine fault
   • Examples: "going straight ahead," "turning right," "changing lanes"

4. Draw the accident diagram:

   • Show vehicle positions before, during, and after impact
   • Indicate direction of travel with arrows
   • Mark impact points
   • Include relevant road features (intersections, lanes, signs)
   • Both drivers contribute to the same sketch

5. Describe what happened (in words):

   • Short, factual description
   • State what you were doing
   • Describe other vehicle's movement
   • Mention relevant conditions (weather, visibility)
   • Don't speculate about other driver's actions

6. Both drivers sign:

   • Check that all information is accurate
   • Sign in the designated signature area
   • Signing means you agree this is what happened, NOT that you accept fault
   • Exchange copies—each driver keeps the original

7. Take photographs:

   • All vehicles involved (multiple angles)
   • Damage to each vehicle (close-ups)
   • Vehicle positions (wide shot)
   • Road conditions and surroundings
   • Other vehicle's license plate
   • Other driver's documents (with their permission)

8. Exchange information:

   • Names and phone numbers
   • Insurance companies
   • License plate numbers
   • Witness contact information if any

Reporting to Your Insurance Company

Timeline: Report the accident to your insurer within the timeframe specified in your policy (typically 24-48 hours, but check your specific policy).

What to provide:

• Completed DAAA form (your copy)
• Photographs of damage and accident scene
• Police report number (if police attended)
• Witness statements or contact information
• Your account of what happened
• Repair estimates (if already obtained)

Insurance company process:

• Reviews your report and DAAA
• May inspect vehicle damage
• Contacts other driver's insurer
• Determines liability split (could be 100/0, 50/50, or other split)
• Processes claim according to your coverage

Your cooperation:

• Respond promptly to all insurer requests
• Provide additional information if asked
• Don't authorize repairs before insurer approval (unless policy allows)
• Keep all documentation organized

When Police Must Attend

Police report required for:

• Any personal injuries
• Significant property damage (beyond the vehicles)
• Government vehicles involved
• Disputes between drivers about what happened
• Suspected criminal offenses (impaired driving, reckless driving)
• One driver fled the scene

What police do:

• Take statements from all parties
• Measure and photograph scene
• Complete official accident report (Auto de Notícia)
• Issue citations if violations occurred
• Determine if charges should be filed

Police report for insurance:

• Insurance companies accept police reports instead of DAAA
• Police report typically favors your claim if you're not at fault
• Request a copy of the report at the scene (may take several days to process)
• You'll need the report number for insurance claims

Uninsured or Foreign Drivers

If the Other Driver Is Uninsured

Your protection: Portugal requires all vehicles to carry third-party liability insurance, but some drivers operate illegally without it.

If you discover the other driver has no insurance:

1. Complete police report: Call 112 or GNR/PSP to document the accident—this is essential for your claim.

2. Contact the FGA (Fundo de Garantia Automóvel):

   • Government fund that compensates victims of uninsured drivers
   • Website: https://www.fga.asf.com.pt/
   • You file a claim directly with FGA
   • They investigate and compensate legitimate claims
   • Coverage same as minimum legal insurance requirements

3. Document everything thoroughly:

   • Photographs of all damage
   • Photos of other vehicle and driver
   • Witness contact information
   • Police report number
   • All correspondence

Important: FGA covers your damages, but the process takes longer than standard insurance claims. Typically 3-6 months for resolution.

If the Other Driver Is Foreign

EU/EEA drivers:

• Must carry valid insurance from their home country
• Insurance covers them throughout EU
• Green Card system facilitates cross-border claims
• Your insurer coordinates with their insurer

What to document:

• Their vehicle registration number
• Their insurance company name and policy number
• Their home address
• Their Green Card (international insurance certificate)

Claims process:

• Report to your insurer as normal
• Your insurer contacts their insurer through EU network
• Processing may take longer (45-90 days typical)
• Language barriers handled by insurers

Non-EU drivers:

• Must have Portuguese car insurance or international coverage
• If they lack valid insurance, treat as uninsured driver (FGA claim)

Preparing Your Vehicle for Emergencies

Proper preparation means you'll have the right equipment and information ready when an emergency occurs, significantly reducing stress and response time.

Mandatory Equipment Checklist

Legal requirements in Portugal:

✅ Warning triangle

• European-standard reflective triangle
• Must be carried inside vehicle (not in trunk)
• Used to mark breakdown location

✅ High-visibility vest(s)

• EN 471 standard (reflective strips on fluorescent background)
• At least one per front-seat occupant
• Must be kept inside cabin (accessible while seated)

✅ Spare wheel OR tire repair kit

• Spare wheel with proper inflation pressure
• Jack and wheel wrench
• Alternative: Manufacturer-approved tire repair kit

✅ First aid kit (recommended, not legally required but highly advisable)

✅ Fire extinguisher (not legally required for passenger vehicles but recommended)

Regular checks:

• Verify spare tire pressure monthly (should match regular tire pressure)
• Check vest condition (reflective strips must be intact)
• Ensure warning triangle has no cracks or missing reflectors
• Replace expired items in first aid kit

Emergency Information to Keep in Vehicle

Create an emergency information card with:

1. Emergency contacts:

   • 112 (universal emergency)
   • Your insurance company's 24/7 claims/assistance number
   • Roadside assistance provider (if separate from insurance)
   • Rental company assistance line (if applicable)

2. Your vehicle information:

   • Registration number (license plate)
   • Make, model, year, color
   • VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

3. Your insurance details:

   • Insurance company name
   • Policy number
   • Policy expiration date
   • Coverage type (third-party, comprehensive, etc.)

4. Your personal information:

   • Full name
   • Address in Portugal
   • Phone number
   • Emergency contact person (family/friend)

5. Medical information (if relevant):

   • Blood type
   • Allergies
   • Critical medications
   • Conditions emergency responders should know about

Storage: Keep this card in the glove compartment in a sealed plastic envelope to protect from moisture.

Pre-Trip Checks

Before any long journey:

✅ Fuel level (keep above quarter-tank in rural areas)
✅ Tire pressure and condition (including spare)
✅ Lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights)
✅ Windshield washer fluid level
✅ Emergency equipment present (vest, triangle, spare/repair kit)
✅ Phone fully charged
✅ Emergency contact information accessible

For winter travel in northern/interior regions:
✅ Cold-weather tire tread depth adequate
✅ Antifreeze level sufficient
✅ Ice scraper and de-icer in vehicle
✅ Blanket and warm clothing in case of extended wait

Insurance Roadside Assistance Coverage

Review your policy to understand:

• What services are included (towing distance, on-site repairs, alternative transport)
• Coverage area (Portugal-only, EU-wide, or global)
• Cost limits (maximum reimbursement per incident)
• Claim procedures (must call insurer before arranging service, or reimbursement afterward)
• Exclusions (what's NOT covered)

Many Portuguese insurance policies include:

• Towing to nearest approved garage (up to specified distance)
• On-site repairs if possible
• Alternative vehicle provision if repairs take more than 24 hours
• Accommodation costs if breakdown occurs far from home
• Repatriation of vehicle if necessary

Know before you need it: Don't wait for an emergency to discover your coverage—review your policy now and save the assistance number in your phone.

Language Preparation

If you don't speak Portuguese:

Prepare simple phrases:

• "Tenho uma avaria" (I have a breakdown) - [TEN-yo OO-ma a-va-REE-a]
• "Preciso de ajuda" (I need help) - [pre-SEE-zo de a-ZHOO-da]
• "Chamem o 112" (Call 112) - [SHA-men o sen-toh ee doyz]
• "Houve um acidente" (There was an accident) - [OH-ve oom a-see-DEN-te]

Translation apps: Download Portuguese offline dictionaries and translation apps before traveling in rural areas with limited mobile coverage.

Emergency phrases card: Keep a printed card with key emergency phrases in Portuguese and English in your glove compartment.

Remember: 112 operators typically speak English, so language barriers are minimal for genuine emergencies.

Conclusion

Emergencies on the road are unpredictable, but your response doesn't have to be. By understanding the immediate safety actions required, knowing how to call for help effectively, and having the right equipment and information ready, you can handle breakdowns and accidents with confidence.

Remember the key priorities: safety first (vests, triangle, passengers away from traffic), call for help (112 for emergencies, insurance or ACP for breakdowns), and document everything (photographs and the DAAA form for accidents). These three principles cover the vast majority of roadside emergency situations.

Portugal's emergency infrastructure—over 3,000 SOS stations, 24/7 multilingual 112 operators, standardized accident reporting, and comprehensive roadside assistance services—is designed to help you when things go wrong. Take advantage of these resources, and don't hesitate to call for assistance when you need it.

Prepare your vehicle with mandatory equipment, keep emergency contact information accessible, review your insurance coverage before you need it, and familiarize yourself with these procedures now—before an emergency happens. The few minutes you spend preparing today could save hours of confusion and stress during a real roadside incident.

Drive safely, stay prepared, and know that help is available when you need it.

Related Guides:

• Can I Drive in Portugal? License Recognition by Nationality
• Should You Exchange Your Foreign License? Voluntary Exchange Decision Guide
• How to Exchange Your Foreign License in Portugal: Complete Process Guide