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Types Of Light 

Presence light:

Let’s start with Presence Lights, also known as Parking Lights, Minimum Lights, Side Lights or Attendance Lights. In Portuguese, they are called 'Luzes de Presença' or 'mínimos'.

There must be 2 presence lights at the front of your vehicle. These lights are typically white and must be visible from at least 150 metres without causing glare. Their main purpose is to indicate the presence and width of the vehicle from the front.

At the rear, there are also two presence lights, which emit red light to ensure the vehicle is visible from behind.

Presence lights are mandatory and must be used when waiting at a level crossing or when stopping or parking in poorly lit areas where your vehicle might not be easily recognized from a distance of 100 metres.

Crossing light: 

Next, we have Crossing Lights, known as Dipped Beam Lights or Medium Lights, and in Portuguese, 'Luzes de Cruzamento' or 'médios'.

There must be 2 crossing lights at the front of your vehicle. These lights can be white or yellow. They project a beam onto the ground and are designed to illuminate up to 30 metres of the road ahead without dazzling other drivers.

Crossing lights are mandatory and must be used in the followings: 

one In signalled tunnels.

two On reversible lanes.

three From dusk to dawn.

four In atmospheric or environmental conditions that require it.

five In mandatory signs.

Drivers of motorbikes, tricycles, quadricycles and mopeds must use the Crossing Lights even during the day; the same rule applies to drivers of dangerous goods vehicles and collective transport of children. So these vehicles are required to use crossing lights all 24 hours.

High light:

Highway Lights, also known as High Beam Lights or Maximum Lights, are called 'Luzes de Estrada' or 'máximos' in Portuguese.

There are 2 lights placed only at the front of the vehicle and are available in white or yellow. They must emit a beam that reaches at least 100 metres for enhanced visibility ahead.  Highway lights are mandatory, these lights are used to see far ahead in dark conditions, such as on highways, but they must not be used if they cause glare to other drivers. 

If our headlight causes glare to the front vehicle or upcoming vehicle it is considered a very serious offense.

The blue light/indicator can be seen in the dash board panel if we turn on the headlight.

Turn Lights:

Turn lights are called by Direction indicators light, turning light, Blinkers etc. 

In Portuguese it is called Luz indicadora de mudança de direcção or piscas.

There must be 2 turn lights at the front and 2 at the rear.  Front turn lights can be white or orange, and if placed on the side, they must be orange and Rear turn lights can emit either red or orange light .

Direction indicators are mandatory. These blinkers also make the beep while turning on.

Direction indicator is used to indicate to other road users that the driver intends to change direction to the right or left.

Hazard warning signal.

It is also called Emergency light. In Portugal it is called Sinal de perigo. 

The simultaneous operation of all the direction indicator lights is a hazard signal. Blinking and beeping, intends to signal for a special danger that the vehicle momentarily presents to other road users.

Fog light: 

In Portugal Fog light is called Luz de nevoeiro.

There can be 2 fog lights in front of the vehicle. These lights can be in white or yellow. They are not mandatory but recommended. Fog lights should not project more than 30 metres to minimise glare in foggy conditions. 

A fog light at rear emits a red light and is placed on the left side to improve visibility in foggy conditions. These lights collectively enhance safety & compliance with road regulations by improving visibility and signalling to other drivers.

Fog lights are used whenever meteorological or environmental conditions so require, on vehicles that must be equipped with them. The use of fog lights is prohibited when weather or environmental conditions do not justify it. If it is used when it is not required it will be a very serious offence.

Front fog is used to improve road illumination in the event of fog, snowfall, storm or dust clouds.

Rear fog light The light used to make the vehicle more visible from the rear in heavy fog.

Braking lights.

Luz de travagem is the Portuguese name of braking light. There are 2 braking lights at the rear are mandatory: these can be either red or orange, indicating when the vehicle is slowing down or stopping. Brake light is used to indicate to other road users behind the vehicle that the driver is  applying the service brake.