Although Portugal and Spain are neighboring countries and share many cultural similarities, their road laws have significant differences. For those traveling between the two territories, it is essential to understand these differences to avoid fines and ensure safe driving within the law. In this article, we will tell you a very common practice of drivers worldwide, which gives fines in Portugal but is legal in Spain.
The question of surpassing cyclists on roads with continuous line raises doubts between drivers. Many ask if, under certain circumstances, it would be nice to transpose this marking to ensure safe overtaking. The answer is in the road code and it is important to know it to avoid violations.
What the road code says
The road code establishes clear rules on the transposition of continuous lines. According to Article 146, it is considered a very serious offense: “the transposition or circulation in disrespect of a continuous longitudinal line delimiting transit meanings”. This means that, regardless of the situation, surpassing a cyclist stepping on the continuous line is a violation punishable by law.
Minimum safety distance
Traffic rules also define how overtaking should be done to cyclists. Article 38 determines that the driver must store a minimum side distance of 1.5 meters and slow down when exceeding a speed. This rule applies to whether there is an isolated cyclist, or two are circulating side by side, which is allowed by Portuguese law.
When overtaking should not be an option
There are situations where cyclists should not be an option, even if the dividing line allows. Narrow roads, tight curves and poor visibility conditions are examples of times when safety must be above any overtaking decision. If it is not possible to maintain the side distance of 1.5 meters, the driver must wait for a safe opportunity.
Another relevant case occurs in steep climbs. In these situations, even if visibility is good, overtaking cannot be done if there is a continuous line, as the rule remains unchanged: stepping the continuous trace is always prohibited.
Is there any exception to the rule?
According to, many drivers question if there is any exception to surpass cyclists safely when the road has a continuous line. However, in Portugal, there is no disposition in the road code that allows this maneuver. Even under favorable conditions, overtaking can only be done when there is a discontinuous line.
Related:
Differences in European legislation
The rules are not uniform in all European countries. This very common practice of drivers is legal in Spain, provided that the maneuver is safe and does not cause risk to any of those involved. This approach aims to facilitate the coexistence between drivers and users of because, but does not apply to the Portuguese reality.
Penalties for those who violate the law
Disrespect for overtaking rules to cyclists can result in significant penalties. Stepping a continuous line implies a fine between 120 and 600 euros. In addition, the driver can lose up to 4 points in the driving license, which can have a serious impact on those who depend on the vehicle for their daily lives.
Traffic standards have a clear purpose: to ensure the safety of all road users. With the increase in the number of cyclists to circulate on public roads, the legislation has evolved to protect these most vulnerable users. The requirement to maintain a minimum distance from overtaking and the ban on stepping on the continuous line is part of this effort to make circulation safer and more balanced.
Safe driving and respect for the rules
To avoid risk situations and possible fines, drivers must adopt a preventive posture. If a cyclist is ahead and the line is continuous, the best solution is to wait for a discontinuous line to exceed safely.
Overcoming cyclists on roads with continuous line continues to generate debate, but Portuguese legislation is clear: this maneuver is prohibited, regardless of conditions. Respecting the rules not only avoids fines and loss of points in the letter, but, more importantly, protects the lives of all users on the road. In this particular case, drivers who do it in Spain are not penalized.
Also read:
