Towing trailers and caravans in Portugal (2026)
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
In short: A category B licence covers a trailer of up to 750 kg, or a heavier trailer if the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg. Combinations of 3,500 to 4,250 kg need a specific practical test.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Trailer mass allowed with a car licence in any combinationCar with a trailer or caravan | 750 kg [1] |
| Heavier trailer with a category B licenceCar with a trailer or caravan | A trailer over 750 kg is allowed on a category B licence if the maximum authorised mass of the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg. [1] |
| Higher categories for trailers (B96, BE)Car with a trailer or caravan | Category BE: a car with a trailer or semi-trailer of up to 3,500 kg. A category B holder who passes the specific practical test may drive a car with a trailer over 750 kg when the combination is over 3,500 kg and up to 4,250 kg. [1] |
| Extra mirrors when towingCar with a trailer or caravan | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Warning triangle or hazard deviceCar with a trailer or caravan | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Maximum speed on motorways when towingCar with a trailer or caravan | 100 km/h [2] |
Notes
- Applies to light passenger cars and mixed vehicles towing a trailer. Limits for other vehicle types differ (e.g. light goods vehicles with a trailer 90 km/h). Read from the table in the December 2020 republication of the Código da Estrada published by ANSR; later amendments were not checked.
Sources
- Procuradoria-Geral Distrital de Lisboa (consolidated legislation database): Decreto-Lei n.º 138/2012, de 5 de julho, com o Regulamento da Habilitação Legal para Conduzir (consolidated version) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
- Autoridade Nacional de Segurança Rodoviária (ANSR): Republicação do Código da Estrada (Anexo IV do Decreto-Lei n.º 102-B/2020, de 9 de dezembro), Diário da República, 1.ª série, n.º 238 (copy hosted by ANSR) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.