If there is a road code rule that many Portuguese drivers ignore, it is the obligation to facilitate overtaking on rapid and self -established roads. This rule, which seems basic, has a major impact on traffic fluidity and road safety. In the end, who has never been trapped behind a car that insists on circulating on the middle or left road without any need? The road code has foreseen fines for this practice.
What does the law say?
The road code of course: Whenever a driver circulates in a lane with more than one way in the same direction, he should use the right route, except when he intends to exceed or change direction (Article 13, no. 2). In addition, any vehicle that approaches at a higher speed should be able to exceed safely.
Article 38 states that the driver being outdated cannot accelerate and should facilitate the maneuver, approaching the right side of the road. In high school, this implies returning to the right way as soon as it is safe to do so.
Article 14, paragraph 1, indicates that “the use of traffic roads should be done on the right side of the lane”, reinforcing that the left pathway serves only for overtaking and not for continuous circulation.
Common bad practices
Despite these rules, many conductors remain on the middle or on the left without apparent reason. Here are some common behaviors:
- The “Owner of the Road” -That driver who believes that, because he already circulates at 120 km/h, no one has the right to exceed him.
- The “inattentive” “The one who simply doesn’t notice that he’s waging the traffic flow and doesn’t use the mirrors to his advantage.”
- The “teacher” -He who decides to “give a lesson” to the hasty driver, refusing to get out of the way.
- The “fearful” – You are afraid to circulate on the right way, often because it confuses the entry of vehicles with imminent danger.
The danger of not facilitating overtaking
Not leaving the front of those who come faster is not just a matter of courtesy, but security. When a driver is prevented from exceeding safely, he can:
- Be forced to overcome the right, an illegal and dangerous maneuver (article 42 (3)).
- Lose patience and perform risky overtaking.
- Create unnecessary lines and increase traffic tension.
In addition, in case of emergency, keeping the unoccupied left pathway may be essential for the circulation of relief vehicles (Article 64 (1)).
How to correct this behavior?
The change begins with each driver. Here are some good practices that we should all follow:
- Use the right track on the right whenever possible.
- Look at the mirrors often to evaluate traffic to the rear.
- If a vehicle comes to approach faster, facilitate overtaking.
- Avoid unnecessary use of the middle or left range.
- Do not try to “teach” other drivers. The road code does not allow us to decide who may or may not exceed.
What about the fines provided for by the road code?
Yes, hindering an overtaking can result in a fine as provided for in. Article 38 (3) states that the driver being exceeded cannot increase the speed and should facilitate the maneuver. If you do not comply with this rule, it can be penalized with a fine between 120 € and 600 €.
In addition, unduly circulating on the middle or left road, without need, can be framed in Article 14 (1), which requires drivers to use the right path to the right, except for overtaking or change of direction. Failure to comply with this rule may result in a fine of 60 to € 300.
The importance of respecting the rules
Respect this rule not only reduces stress on the road, but also prevents accidents. After all, we all have the right to circulate safely and efficiently. For drivers: Next time driving on fast or highway roads, ask yourself: I’m facilitating overtaking or making traffic difficult? Respect the rules, lead with civility and contribute to safer roads.
Important note
The confusion between the terms “track” and “via” is very frequent in drivers in Portugal. In this means, the postcard clarifies this aspect. Bottom line: The lane is the part of the road where the vehicles circulate, ie on a highway, there are two lanes, separated by a central separator.
The traffic road is each of the divisions within the lane, which may be the middle, left or right way. The highlights in Portugal are composed of four to six traffic roads, two or three on each lane.
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