Guinea-Bissau Driving Theory cheat sheet

Guinea-Bissau drives on the right; signs and signals follow the West African/Portuguese-influenced pattern used by CPLP countries, with red circles for prohibitions and blue circles for obligations.

Octagonal red STOP sign means a full stop at the stop line or, if none, at the edge of the intersecting roadway, yielding to all traffic on the priority road.

Inverted red-and-white triangle (GIVE WAY / CÉDEZ LE PASSAGE) means slow down and yield; a full stop is required only if traffic is approaching.

Red circle with a white bar means NO ENTRY; a solid red circle alone means all vehicles prohibited - both are prohibitory, not advisory.

Yellow diamond with white border marks a priority road; the same diamond with a black diagonal bar ends the priority road.

Triangular signs with red borders are warnings (bend, junction, pedestrian crossing, level crossing, uneven road); they do not themselves change the right-of-way rule.

Blue circular signs are mandatory instructions (turn direction, minimum speed, cycle path, roundabout direction); ignoring them is an offence.

Solid white centre line: no crossing or straddling. Broken white line: crossing permitted when safe. Double solid lines are stricter than single solid.

Traffic light sequence is red, red+amber, green, amber, red; a flashing amber or a police officer's signals override the lights, and officer signals override all signs and markings.

Default rule at unsigned junctions: yield to traffic approaching from the right (priorité à droite); this applies in both urban and rural areas unless signs or markings say otherwise.

At a roundabout, traffic already circulating has priority unless a GIVE WAY line or sign states otherwise; enter only when a gap allows without forcing circulating vehicles to brake.

Turning left across oncoming traffic: you must yield to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right; turning right: yield to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.

Entering a public road from a private driveway, garage, track, or unpaved path: you must yield to all traffic already on the public road, including cyclists and pedestrians.

At a STOP sign the stop must be complete - wheels stationary - even if the road appears clear; rolling stops are treated as a failure to stop.

Overtaking, changing lanes and reversing all require yielding; a reversing vehicle must give way to all other road users, including pedestrians behind it.

Emergency vehicles with sirens and flashing lights have priority; you must facilitate their passage, but do not run red lights or endanger others to do so.

At uncontrolled pedestrian crossings, pedestrians on or stepping onto the crossing have absolute priority; approach at a speed that lets you stop.

Junction blocking: do not enter a junction or crossing if traffic beyond it would force you to stop inside it, even on a green light.

Guinea-Bissau's road code sets general limits for built-up areas, rural roads and motorways; treat posted signs as authoritative and drive below the limit when conditions (rain, dust, darkness, pedestrians) require it.

The limit is a maximum for ideal conditions, not a target; in rain, at night, or on unpaved roads the safe speed is materially lower than the posted maximum.

Two-second rule: pick a fixed object, count two seconds after the vehicle ahead passes it; if you reach it earlier, you are too close.

In rain or on gravel, double the gap to four seconds; on wet laterite or loose sand, double again and reduce speed before the hazard, not in it.

Stopping distance = thinking (reaction) distance + braking distance; reaction distance grows linearly with speed, braking distance with the square of speed.

Doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance, so a small speed increase produces a disproportionate increase in stopping distance.

Minimum safe following distance should never be less than the distance covered in two seconds at your current speed; at higher speeds add margin for the longer braking distance.

When a vehicle behind is tailgating, increase your own gap to the vehicle ahead so you can brake gradually rather than abruptly.

Speed must be reduced near schools, markets, hospitals, pedestrian crossings, and where visibility is limited by bends, crests, parked vehicles or vegetation.

Overtake on the left by default; a right-side pass is only permissible when the vehicle ahead is signalling and positioned to turn left and there is room to pass safely.

Before overtaking, verify: no oncoming traffic, no solid line, sufficient clear road, no junction or pedestrian crossing ahead, and no vehicle already overtaking you.

Never overtake at blind crests, on bends, at junctions, at pedestrian crossings, at level crossings, or where a solid line or sign prohibits it.

Signal before the manoeuvre, check mirrors and blind spot, move out smoothly, keep a lateral gap of at least about one metre from cyclists and pedestrians, and return only when the overtaken vehicle is visible in the interior mirror.

Keep right except when overtaking, turning left, or when lane markings direct otherwise; do not straddle lanes or drift into the centre line.

Lane changes require mirror check, blind-spot check, signal, and a smooth movement; never change lanes in the middle of a junction or on a solid line.

Reversing is permitted only over a short distance, at walking pace, with all-round observation; if visibility is obstructed, get out and check before reversing.

A U-turn is prohibited on motorways, at junctions, on bends, at crests, at pedestrian crossings and where signs forbid it; it must not force others to brake.

Before any manoeuvre: mirrors, signal, manoeuvre - and confirm the signal is cancelled afterwards.

Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and children are physically unprotected; the driver bears the greater duty of care because the consequence of error falls on them.

At a marked pedestrian crossing, a pedestrian waiting or stepping onto it has priority; stop before the crossing line, not on it.

When overtaking a cyclist or motorcyclist, leave at least about one metre lateral clearance in built-up areas and more at higher speeds.

Children near schools, markets and residential streets behave unpredictably; reduce speed and be ready to stop when a ball, a child, or a group appears at the roadside.

Motorcyclists and mopeds are common in Guinea-Bissau and are easily hidden by other vehicles; check mirrors and blind spots twice before turning or changing lanes.

When turning at a junction, check for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road you are entering, not only for vehicles.

Do not overtake a vehicle stopped at a pedestrian crossing - it may be yielding to a pedestrian you cannot see.

At night, pedestrians and cyclists without lights or reflective clothing are hard to see; reduce speed so your stopping distance stays within your illuminated sight distance.

Give cyclists room when passing parked cars (door zone) and expect them to swerve around potholes, sand and standing water.

Lighting rules: use dipped headlights at night and in rain, dust, fog or any condition reducing visibility; use main beam only when it will not dazzle others, and dip when a vehicle approaches or you follow closely.

Front and rear position lights, brake lights, indicators and the horn must be functional; a defective brake light or indicator is a safety defect that must be fixed before driving.

Tyres must have adequate tread depth and correct pressure; check pressure when cold, and inspect for cuts, bulges and uneven wear.

Tyre tread clears water; worn tyres raise aquaplaning risk on wet roads and lengthen braking distance.

Brakes must be tested at low speed after starting; a spongy pedal, pull to one side, or unusual noise means the vehicle should not be driven until checked.

Seat belts are required for the driver and passengers where fitted; children must be restrained appropriately, and a child must not travel unrestrained in the front.

Loads must be secured and must not obscure lights, plates or the driver's view; an unsecured or overhanging load is an offence and a hazard.

The windscreen, wipers and washers must give a clear view; cracked glass or worn wiper blades in rain severely reduce visibility.

Carry a warning triangle and reflective vest; place the triangle behind the vehicle at a distance that gives approaching traffic time to react, and wear the vest when outside the vehicle at night.

Alcohol impairs reaction time, judgment of speed and distance, and peripheral vision before the driver feels impaired; the safe driving limit is effectively zero.

In Guinea-Bissau, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an offence; penalties can include fines, licence suspension or withdrawal, and imprisonment where harm results.

Refusing a lawful breath or blood test generally carries the same or heavier consequences as failing it.

Combining alcohol with fatigue, medication or night driving multiplies impairment rather than adding it.

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines (antihistamines, sedatives, some painkillers) can cause drowsiness; check the label and do not drive if warned.

Warning signs of fatigue: heavy eyelids, drifting within the lane, missing signs, yawning, and difficulty keeping a steady speed.

The only effective remedy for fatigue is rest or sleep; coffee, fresh air and loud music mask symptoms without restoring alertness.

On long trips, plan a break at least every two hours and share driving where possible; avoid driving during hours when you would normally be asleep.

Illness, injury, severe stress and poor eyesight all affect fitness to drive; if vision is corrected, wear the correction while driving.

A driver must hold a valid licence of the correct category for the vehicle and carry it, or a legally recognised substitute, while driving.

The vehicle must have valid registration and a current roadworthiness/technical inspection certificate where required by national rules.

Third-party liability insurance is compulsory; driving without valid insurance is an offence and leaves you personally liable for damage and injury you cause.

The vehicle registration document (livrete/cartão de propriedade) and proof of insurance should be kept in the vehicle and produced on request by authorities.

After a change of ownership or address, registration and insurance details must be updated within the period set by national rules; an inaccurate policy can void cover.

Insurance covers liability to others, not automatically your own vehicle; comprehensive cover is a separate option and its terms define what is paid.

An accident involving injury or a third party must be reported to the police; leaving the scene of an injury accident is a serious offence.

Driving licence categories and minimum ages follow national rules; driving a category you are not licensed for invalidates insurance and is an offence.

Keep documents current: an expired inspection, licence or insurance is treated as driving without valid documents even if the vehicle is roadworthy.

Protect the scene first: stop, switch on hazard lights, place the warning triangle, and move people to safety away from traffic before assisting.

Call emergency services and give a precise location, number of casualties, and the nature of injuries; do not hang up until told to.

Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger (fire, traffic, fuel leak); suspected spinal injury can be made worse by movement.

Check responsiveness, breathing and bleeding; if the person is not breathing normally, start chest compressions at a rate of roughly 100–120 per minute at the centre of the chest.

Control severe bleeding with direct pressure on the wound, using a clean cloth, and keep the pressure until help arrives.

Do not give food or drink to an injured person, and do not remove a motorcycle helmet unless the airway is obstructed and you must.

Keep casualties warm and reassure them; shock signs include pale clammy skin, rapid weak pulse and confusion.

At an accident, exchange names, addresses, insurance and vehicle details, and report the accident to police within the period required by national rules.

Never leave the scene of an accident in which you were involved until it is lawful to do so and details have been exchanged or police have attended.

Defensive driving means assuming other road users may make mistakes and keeping a space margin you can use to avoid their error.

Anticipate by scanning far ahead, checking mirrors regularly, and reading cues such as brake lights, front-wheel angle and driver head movement.

Smooth acceleration and braking, correct tyre pressure, and avoiding unnecessary idling reduce fuel use and emissions.

Harsh acceleration and late braking increase fuel consumption and wear; steady speed in the appropriate gear is both safer and cheaper.

Coasting in neutral or with the clutch down reduces control and does not save fuel in modern vehicles; keep the vehicle in gear when moving.

Avoid unnecessary engine idling when stationary for more than a short period; it burns fuel and adds no benefit.

Plan routes to avoid congested areas and combine trips; congestion driving produces high emissions per kilometre.

Do not dispose of oil, batteries, tyres or fluids at the roadside; they contaminate soil and water and must go to an authorised collection point.

Defensive following: maintain the two-second gap, increase it in poor visibility or when the vehicle behind is tailgating, and avoid unnecessary horn use in residential areas.

Speed limits in built-up areas are lower than on rural roads; treat signs and the road environment (houses, markets, pedestrians) as the governing limit.

The two-second rule is the minimum following gap in dry conditions; count two seconds from when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point.

Wet or loose surfaces require at least four seconds; snow, mud or sand require more, and speed should be reduced accordingly.

Total stopping distance = reaction distance (speed × reaction time) + braking distance; reaction time is typically around one second.

Braking distance increases with the square of speed: doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

At a STOP or GIVE WAY line, stop where you can see approaching traffic; if the view is blocked, edge forward slowly until you can see.

Never follow so closely that you cannot stop within the distance you can see to be clear, especially at night or in rain.

Tyres, brakes and load affect stopping distance; a heavily loaded vehicle needs a longer gap and earlier braking.

Overtake on the left; a right-side pass is only for a vehicle signalling and positioned to turn left, and only if there is room.

Solid white line: no overtaking and no straddling. Broken line: overtake only when the road ahead is clear for the whole manoeuvre.

Never overtake at a pedestrian crossing, junction, bend, crest, level crossing, or where a sign prohibits it.

Before overtaking, check mirrors, blind spot, signal, and confirm no vehicle is already overtaking you.

Return to the right only when the overtaken vehicle appears in the interior mirror; do not cut in.

Keep right except to overtake, to turn left, or when markings direct otherwise; do not drive on the centre line or straddle lanes.

Mirrors, signal, manoeuvre: apply the sequence to every lane change, turn and pull-out, then cancel the signal.

Reversing must be at walking pace with full observation; if the view is obstructed, get out and check before reversing.

U-turns are prohibited on motorways, at bends, crests, junctions and pedestrian crossings, and wherever signs forbid them.

At a marked crossing, pedestrians on or about to step onto it have priority; stop before the crossing line.

Never overtake a vehicle stopped at a pedestrian crossing - it may be yielding to someone you cannot see.

Leave at least about one metre clearance when passing cyclists and motorcyclists in built-up areas, more at higher speeds.

Check for pedestrians and cyclists when turning into a road, not only for vehicles on the road you are leaving.

Children, older people and people carrying loads may move unpredictably; reduce speed near schools, markets and residential streets.

Motorcycles and mopeds are easily hidden behind other vehicles; check mirrors and blind spot twice before turning or changing lanes.

At night, pedestrians without lights are visible only within your headlight range; keep speed within that range.

When passing parked cars, expect cyclists and motorcyclists to swerve around open doors, potholes and standing water.

Use dipped headlights at night and in rain, dust or fog; use main beam only when it will not dazzle, and dip for oncoming vehicles and when following closely.

Brake lights, indicators, position lights and the horn must work; a defective light is a safety defect to fix before driving.

Check tyre pressure when cold and inspect tread and sidewalls for cuts, bulges and uneven wear.

Worn tread raises aquaplaning risk and lengthens braking distance on wet roads.

Test brakes at low speed after starting; a spongy pedal, pull or noise means the vehicle should be checked before use.

Seat belts are required where fitted; children must be properly restrained and should not travel unrestrained in the front.

Secure loads so they do not obscure lights, plates or the driver's view, and so nothing can fall onto the road.

Keep the windscreen clear and wipers and washers working; cracked glass or worn blades severely reduce visibility in rain.

Carry a warning triangle and reflective vest; place the triangle behind the vehicle so approaching traffic has time to react, and wear the vest outside the vehicle at night.

Alcohol slows reaction time and impairs speed and distance judgment before the driver notices any effect; the safe limit is effectively zero.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an offence in Guinea-Bissau and can lead to fines, licence withdrawal, or imprisonment where harm results.

Refusing a lawful breath or blood test generally carries consequences as serious as failing it.

Alcohol combined with fatigue, medication or night driving multiplies impairment rather than simply adding to it.

Antihistamines, sedatives and some painkillers cause drowsiness; check the label and do not drive if warned.

Warning signs of fatigue: heavy eyelids, lane drifting, missed signs, yawning and difficulty holding a steady speed.

Only rest or sleep restores alertness; coffee, fresh air and loud music mask symptoms without curing them.

On long trips take a break at least every two hours and avoid driving during hours when you would normally sleep.

Illness, injury, stress and poor eyesight affect fitness to drive; wear any prescribed vision correction while driving.

Carry a valid licence of the correct category for the vehicle; driving outside your licensed category is an offence and can void insurance.

The vehicle must have valid registration and a current technical inspection where required by national rules.

Third-party liability insurance is compulsory; driving uninsured leaves you personally liable for injury and damage you cause.

Keep the registration document and proof of insurance in the vehicle and produce them on request by the authorities.

Update registration and insurance details after a change of ownership or address within the period set by national rules.

Insurance covers liability to others; damage to your own vehicle is covered only under a separate comprehensive policy.

Report accidents involving injury or a third party to the police; leaving the scene of an injury accident is a serious offence.

An expired licence, inspection or insurance is treated as driving without valid documents, even if the vehicle is roadworthy.

Minimum ages and licence categories follow national rules; verify the category required before driving an unfamiliar vehicle.

Protect the scene first: stop, switch on hazard lights, place the warning triangle, and move people away from traffic before assisting.

Call emergency services with a precise location, the number of casualties and the nature of injuries; stay on the line until told to hang up.

Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire, traffic or a fuel leak; movement can worsen a spinal injury.

Check responsiveness, breathing and bleeding; if breathing is absent or abnormal, start chest compressions at roughly 100–120 per minute at the centre of the chest.

Control severe bleeding with direct pressure using a clean cloth and maintain pressure until help arrives.

Do not give food or drink to an injured person, and do not remove a motorcycle helmet unless the airway is obstructed and you must.

Keep casualties warm and reassure them; pale clammy skin, a rapid weak pulse and confusion suggest shock.

Exchange names, addresses, insurance and vehicle details at the scene, and report the accident to police within the required period.

Never leave the scene of an accident in which you were involved until details are exchanged or police have attended.

Defensive driving assumes other road users may err and keeps a space margin to absorb their mistake.

Scan far ahead, check mirrors regularly, and read cues such as brake lights, front-wheel angle and driver head movement.

Smooth acceleration and braking, correct tyre pressure and avoiding unnecessary idling reduce fuel use and emissions.

Harsh acceleration and late braking raise fuel consumption and wear; a steady speed in the correct gear is safer and cheaper.

Coasting in neutral or with the clutch down reduces control and does not save fuel in modern vehicles; stay in gear while moving.

Avoid idling when stationary for more than a short period; it burns fuel with no benefit.

Plan routes to avoid congestion and combine trips; congested driving produces high emissions per kilometre.

Never dispose of oil, batteries, tyres or fluids at the roadside; they contaminate soil and water and must go to an authorised collection point.

Keep the two-second gap, increase it in poor visibility or when tailgated, and avoid unnecessary horn use in residential areas.

At unsigned junctions, yield to traffic approaching from the right; this default applies unless signs or markings state otherwise.

At a roundabout, circulating traffic has priority unless a GIVE WAY line or sign indicates otherwise; enter only when a gap allows without forcing others to brake.

Turning left across oncoming traffic: yield to vehicles going straight or turning right. Turning right: yield to pedestrians crossing the road you enter.

Entering a public road from a private driveway, track or unpaved path: yield to all traffic already on the public road, including cyclists and pedestrians.

A STOP sign requires a complete stop with wheels stationary, even when the road appears clear; a rolling stop is a failure to stop.

Overtaking, lane changes and reversing require yielding; a reversing vehicle gives way to all other road users, including pedestrians behind it.

Emergency vehicles with sirens and flashing lights have priority; facilitate their passage without running red lights or endangering others.

At uncontrolled pedestrian crossings, pedestrians on or stepping onto the crossing have absolute priority; approach at a speed that lets you stop.

Do not enter a junction or crossing if traffic beyond it would force you to stop inside it, even on a green light.

Octagonal red STOP sign means a full stop at the stop line or, if none, at the edge of the intersecting roadway, yielding to priority traffic.

Inverted red-and-white triangle (GIVE WAY) means slow down and yield; a full stop is required only if traffic is approaching.

Red circle with a white bar means NO ENTRY; a plain solid red circle means all vehicles prohibited.

Yellow diamond with white border marks a priority road; the same diamond with a black diagonal bar ends the priority road.

Triangular red-bordered signs warn of bends, junctions, pedestrian crossings, level crossings and uneven road; they do not by themselves change right-of-way.

Blue circular signs are mandatory instructions such as turn direction, minimum speed, cycle path or roundabout direction; ignoring them is an offence.

Solid white centre line: no crossing or straddling. Broken white line: crossing permitted when safe. Double solid lines are stricter than single solid.

Traffic light sequence is red, red+amber, green, amber, red; a flashing amber or a police officer's signals override the lights, and officer signals override all signs and markings.

Guinea-Bissau drives on the right; signs and signals follow the West African and Portuguese-influenced pattern used by CPLP countries, with red circles for prohibitions and blue circles for obligations.

The posted limit is a maximum for ideal conditions, not a target; in rain, at night or on unpaved roads the safe speed is materially lower.

Two-second rule: count two seconds from when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object; reaching it earlier means you are too close.

In rain or on gravel, double the gap to four seconds; on wet laterite or loose sand, increase further and slow before the hazard.

Stopping distance = thinking (reaction) distance + braking distance; reaction distance grows linearly with speed, braking distance with the square of speed.

Doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance, so a small speed increase produces a disproportionate increase in stopping distance.

The following gap should never be less than the distance covered in two seconds at your current speed, with extra margin at higher speeds.

When tailgated, increase your own gap to the vehicle ahead so you can brake gradually rather than abruptly.

Reduce speed near schools, markets, hospitals, pedestrian crossings, and wherever bends, crests, parked vehicles or vegetation limit visibility.

Never drive so fast that you cannot stop within the distance you can see to be clear, especially at night or in rain.

Overtake on the left by default; a right-side pass is permissible only when the vehicle ahead signals and is positioned to turn left and there is room.

Before overtaking, verify no oncoming traffic, no solid line, sufficient clear road, no junction or crossing ahead, and no vehicle already overtaking you.

Never overtake at blind crests, bends, junctions, pedestrian crossings, level crossings, or where a solid line or sign prohibits it.

Signal before the manoeuvre, check mirrors and blind spot, move out smoothly, keep at least about one metre from cyclists and pedestrians, and return only when the overtaken vehicle is visible in the interior mirror.

Keep right except when overtaking, turning left, or when lane markings direct otherwise; do not straddle lanes or drift onto the centre line.

Lane changes require mirror check, blind-spot check, signal and a smooth movement; never change lanes mid-junction or on a solid line.

Reversing is permitted only over a short distance at walking pace with all-round observation; if visibility is obstructed, get out and check before reversing.

A U-turn is prohibited on motorways, at junctions, on bends, at crests and at pedestrian crossings, and must never force others to brake.

Mirrors, signal, manoeuvre - and confirm the signal is cancelled afterwards.

Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and children are physically unprotected; the driver bears the greater duty of care because the consequence of error falls on them.

At a marked pedestrian crossing, a pedestrian waiting or stepping onto it has priority; stop before the crossing line, not on it.

When overtaking a cyclist or motorcyclist, leave at least about one metre lateral clearance in built-up areas and more at higher speeds.

Children near schools, markets and residential streets behave unpredictably; reduce speed and be ready to stop when a ball, a child or a group appears.

Motorcyclists and mopeds are common in Guinea-Bissau and easily hidden by other vehicles; check mirrors and blind spots twice before turning or changing lanes.

When turning at a junction, check for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road you are entering, not only for vehicles.

Do not overtake a vehicle stopped at a pedestrian crossing - it may be yielding to a pedestrian you cannot see.

At night, pedestrians and cyclists without lights or reflective clothing are hard to see; reduce speed so stopping distance stays within illuminated sight distance.

Give cyclists room when passing parked cars (door zone) and expect them to swerve around potholes, sand and standing water.

Use dipped headlights at night and in rain, dust or fog; use main beam only when it will not dazzle others, and dip when a vehicle approaches or you follow closely.

Front and rear position lights, brake lights, indicators and the horn must be functional; a defective brake light or indicator must be fixed before driving.

Tyres must have adequate tread depth and correct pressure; check pressure when cold and inspect for cuts, bulges and uneven wear.

Tyre tread clears water; worn tyres raise aquaplaning risk on wet roads and lengthen braking distance.

Test brakes at low speed after starting; a spongy pedal, pull to one side or unusual noise means the vehicle should not be driven until checked.

Seat belts are required for the driver and passengers where fitted; children must be restrained appropriately and must not travel unrestrained in the front.

Loads must be secured and must not obscure lights, plates or the driver's view; an unsecured or overhanging load is an offence and a hazard.

The windscreen, wipers and washers must give a clear view; cracked glass or worn wiper blades in rain severely reduce visibility.

Carry a warning triangle and reflective vest; place the triangle behind the vehicle at a distance that gives approaching traffic time to react, and wear the vest when outside the vehicle at night.

Alcohol impairs reaction time, judgment of speed and distance, and peripheral vision before the driver feels impaired; the safe driving limit is effectively zero.

In Guinea-Bissau, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an offence; penalties can include fines, licence suspension or withdrawal, and imprisonment where harm results.

Refusing a lawful breath or blood test generally carries the same or heavier consequences as failing it.

Combining alcohol with fatigue, medication or night driving multiplies impairment rather than adding to it.

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines such as antihistamines, sedatives and some painkillers can cause drowsiness; check the label and do not drive if warned.

Warning signs of fatigue include heavy eyelids, drifting within the lane, missing signs, yawning and difficulty keeping a steady speed.

The only effective remedy for fatigue is rest or sleep; coffee, fresh air and loud music mask symptoms without restoring alertness.

On long trips, plan a break at least every two hours and share driving where possible; avoid driving during hours when you would normally be asleep.

Illness, injury, severe stress and poor eyesight all affect fitness to drive; wear any prescribed vision correction while driving.

A driver must hold a valid licence of the correct category for the vehicle and carry it, or a legally recognised substitute, while driving.

The vehicle must have valid registration and a current roadworthiness or technical inspection certificate where required by national rules.

Third-party liability insurance is compulsory; driving without valid insurance is an offence and leaves you personally liable for damage and injury you cause.

The vehicle registration document and proof of insurance should be kept in the vehicle and produced on request by the authorities.

After a change of ownership or address, registration and insurance details must be updated within the period set by national rules; an inaccurate policy can void cover.

Insurance covers liability to others, not automatically your own vehicle; comprehensive cover is a separate option whose terms define what is paid.

An accident involving injury or a third party must be reported to the police; leaving the scene of an injury accident is a serious offence.

Driving licence categories and minimum ages follow national rules; driving a category you are not licensed for invalidates insurance and is an offence.

Keep documents current: an expired inspection, licence or insurance is treated as driving without valid documents even if the vehicle is roadworthy.

Protect the scene first: stop, switch on hazard lights, place the warning triangle, and move people to safety away from traffic before assisting.

Call emergency services and give a precise location, the number of casualties and the nature of injuries; do not hang up until told to.

Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire, traffic or a fuel leak; suspected spinal injury can be made worse by movement.

Check responsiveness, breathing and bleeding; if the person is not breathing normally, start chest compressions at roughly 100–120 per minute at the centre of the chest.

Control severe bleeding with direct pressure on the wound using a clean cloth, and keep the pressure until help arrives.

Do not give food or drink to an injured person, and do not remove a motorcycle helmet unless the airway is obstructed and you must.

Keep casualties warm and reassure them; shock signs include pale clammy skin, a rapid weak pulse and confusion.

At an accident, exchange names, addresses, insurance and vehicle details, and report the accident to police within the period required by national rules.

Never leave the scene of an accident in which you were involved until it is lawful to do so and details have been exchanged or police have attended.

Defensive driving means assuming other road users may make mistakes and keeping a space margin you can use to avoid their error.

Anticipate by scanning far ahead, checking mirrors regularly, and reading cues such as brake lights, front-wheel angle and driver head movement.

Smooth acceleration and braking, correct tyre pressure and avoiding unnecessary idling reduce fuel use and emissions.

Harsh acceleration and late braking increase fuel consumption and wear; steady speed in the appropriate gear is both safer and cheaper.

Coasting in neutral or with the clutch down reduces control and does not save fuel in modern vehicles; keep the vehicle in gear when moving.

Avoid unnecessary engine idling when stationary for more than a short period; it burns fuel and adds no benefit.

Plan routes to avoid congested areas and combine trips; congestion driving produces high emissions per kilometre.

Do not dispose of oil, batteries, tyres or fluids at the roadside; they contaminate soil and water and must go to an authorised collection point.

Maintain the two-second gap, increase it in poor visibility or when the vehicle behind is tailgating, and avoid unnecessary horn use in residential areas.

At unsigned junctions, yield to traffic approaching from the right; this default applies unless signs or markings state otherwise.

At a roundabout, circulating traffic has priority unless a GIVE WAY line or sign indicates otherwise; enter only when a gap allows without forcing circulating vehicles to brake.

Turning left across oncoming traffic: yield to vehicles going straight or turning right. Turning right: yield to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.

Entering a public road from a private driveway, garage, track or unpaved path: yield to all traffic already on the public road, including cyclists and pedestrians.

At a STOP sign the stop must be complete with wheels stationary, even if the road appears clear; a rolling stop is treated as a failure to stop.

Overtaking, changing lanes and reversing all require yielding; a reversing vehicle must give way to all other road users, including pedestrians behind it.

Emergency vehicles with sirens and flashing lights have priority; facilitate their passage, but do not run red lights or endanger others to do so.

At uncontrolled pedestrian crossings, pedestrians on or stepping onto the crossing have absolute priority; approach at a speed that lets you stop.

Do not enter a junction or crossing if traffic beyond it would force you to stop inside it, even on a green light.

Octagonal red STOP sign means a full stop at the stop line or, if none, at the edge of the intersecting roadway, yielding to all traffic on the priority road.

Inverted red-and-white triangle (GIVE WAY) means slow down and yield; a full stop is required only if traffic is approaching.

Red circle with a white bar means NO ENTRY; a solid red circle alone means all vehicles prohibited - both are prohibitory, not advisory.

Yellow diamond with white border marks a priority road; the same diamond with a black diagonal bar ends the priority road.

Triangular signs with red borders are warnings (bend, junction, pedestrian crossing, level crossing, uneven road); they do not themselves change the right-of-way rule.

Blue circular signs are mandatory instructions (turn direction, minimum speed, cycle path, roundabout direction); ignoring them is an offence.

Solid white centre line: no crossing or straddling. Broken white line: crossing permitted when safe. Double solid lines are stricter than single solid.

Traffic light sequence is red, red+amber, green, amber, red; a flashing amber or a police officer's signals override the lights, and officer signals override all signs and markings.

Guinea-Bissau drives on the right; signs and signals follow the West African and Portuguese-influenced pattern used by CPLP countries.

Guinea-Bissau's road code sets general limits for built-up areas, rural roads and motorways; treat posted signs as authoritative and drive below the limit when conditions require it.

The limit is a maximum for ideal conditions, not a target; in rain, at night or on unpaved roads the safe speed is materially lower than the posted maximum.

Two-second rule: pick a fixed object and count two seconds after the vehicle ahead passes it; if you reach it earlier, you are too close.

In rain or on gravel, double the gap to four seconds; on wet laterite or loose sand, double again and reduce speed before the hazard, not in it.

Stopping distance = thinking (reaction) distance + braking distance; reaction distance grows linearly with speed, braking distance with the square of speed.

Doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance, so a small speed increase produces a disproportionate increase in stopping distance.

The following gap should never be less than the distance covered in two seconds at your current speed; at higher speeds add margin for the longer braking distance.

When a vehicle behind is tailgating, increase your own gap to the vehicle ahead so you can brake gradually rather than abruptly.

Speed must be reduced near schools, markets, hospitals, pedestrian crossings, and where visibility is limited by bends, crests, parked vehicles or vegetation.

Overtake on the left by default; a right-side pass is only permissible when the vehicle ahead is signalling and positioned to turn left and there is room to pass safely.

Before overtaking, verify no oncoming traffic, no solid line, sufficient clear road, no junction or pedestrian crossing ahead, and no vehicle already overtaking you.

Never overtake at blind crests, on bends, at junctions, at pedestrian crossings, at level crossings, or where a solid line or sign prohibits it.

Signal before the manoeuvre, check mirrors and blind spot, move out smoothly, keep a lateral gap of at least about one metre from cyclists and pedestrians, and return only when the overtaken vehicle is visible in the interior mirror.

Keep right except when overtaking, turning left, or when lane markings direct otherwise; do not straddle lanes or drift into the centre line.

Lane changes require mirror check, blind-spot check, signal and a smooth movement; never change lanes in the middle of a junction or on a solid line.

Reversing is permitted only over a short distance at walking pace with all-round observation; if visibility is obstructed, get out and check before reversing.

A U-turn is prohibited on motorways, at junctions, on bends, at crests, at pedestrian crossings and where signs forbid it; it must not force others to brake.

Before any manoeuvre: mirrors, signal, manoeuvre - and confirm the signal is cancelled afterwards.

Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and children are physically unprotected; the driver bears the greater duty of care because the consequence of error falls on them.

At a marked pedestrian crossing, a pedestrian waiting or stepping onto it has priority; stop before the crossing line, not on it.

When overtaking a cyclist or motorcyclist, leave at least about one metre lateral clearance in built-up areas and more at higher speeds.

Children near schools, markets and residential streets behave unpredictably; reduce speed and be ready to stop when a ball, a child or a group appears at the roadside.

Motorcyclists and mopeds are common in Guinea-Bissau and are easily hidden by other vehicles; check mirrors and blind spots twice before turning or changing lanes.

When turning at a junction, check for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road you are entering, not only for vehicles.

Do not overtake a vehicle stopped at a pedestrian crossing - it may be yielding to a pedestrian you cannot see.

At night, pedestrians and cyclists without lights or reflective clothing are hard to see; reduce speed so your stopping distance stays within your illuminated sight distance.

Give cyclists room when passing parked cars (door zone) and expect them to swerve around potholes, sand and standing water.

Lighting rules: use dipped headlights at night and in rain, dust, fog or any condition reducing visibility; use main beam only when it will not dazzle others, and dip when a vehicle approaches or you follow closely.

Front and rear position lights, brake lights, indicators and the horn must be functional; a defective brake light or indicator is a safety defect that must be fixed before driving.

Tyres must have adequate tread depth and correct pressure; check pressure when cold and inspect for cuts, bulges and uneven wear.

Tyre tread clears water; worn tyres raise aquaplaning risk on wet roads and lengthen braking distance.

Brakes must be tested at low speed after starting; a spongy pedal, pull to one side or unusual noise means the vehicle should not be driven until checked.

Seat belts are required for the driver and passengers where fitted; children must be restrained appropriately and must not travel unrestrained in the front.

Loads must be secured and must not obscure lights, plates or the driver's view; an unsecured or overhanging load is an offence and a hazard.

The windscreen, wipers and washers must give a clear view; cracked glass or worn wiper blades in rain severely reduce visibility.

Carry a warning triangle and reflective vest; place the triangle behind the vehicle at a distance that gives approaching traffic time to react, and wear the vest when outside the vehicle at night.

Alcohol impairs reaction time, judgment of speed and distance, and peripheral vision before the driver feels impaired; the safe driving limit is effectively zero.

In Guinea-Bissau, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an offence; penalties can include fines, licence suspension or withdrawal, and imprisonment where harm results.

Refusing a lawful breath or blood test generally carries the same or heavier consequences as failing it.

Combining alcohol with fatigue, medication or night driving multiplies impairment rather than adding to it.

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines (antihistamines, sedatives, some painkillers) can cause drowsiness; check the label and do not drive if warned.

Warning signs of fatigue: heavy eyelids, drifting within the lane, missing signs, yawning and difficulty keeping a steady speed.

The only effective remedy for fatigue is rest or sleep; coffee, fresh air and loud music mask symptoms without restoring alertness.

On long trips, plan a break at least every two hours and share driving where possible; avoid driving during hours when you would normally be asleep.

Illness, injury, severe stress and poor eyesight all affect fitness to drive; if vision is corrected, wear the correction while driving.

A driver must hold a valid licence of the correct category for the vehicle and carry it, or a legally recognised substitute, while driving.

The vehicle must have valid registration and a current roadworthiness or technical inspection certificate where required by national rules.

Third-party liability insurance is compulsory; driving without valid insurance is an offence and leaves you personally liable for damage and injury you cause.

The vehicle registration document and proof of insurance should be kept in the vehicle and produced on request by authorities.

After a change of ownership or address, registration and insurance details must be updated within the period set by national rules; an inaccurate policy can void cover.

Insurance covers liability to others, not automatically your own vehicle; comprehensive cover is a separate option whose terms define what is paid.

An accident involving injury or a third party must be reported to the police; leaving the scene of an injury accident is a serious offence.

Driving licence categories and minimum ages follow national rules; driving a category you are not licensed for invalidates insurance and is an offence.

Keep documents current: an expired inspection, licence or insurance is treated as driving without valid documents even if the vehicle is roadworthy.

Protect the scene first: stop, switch on hazard lights, place the warning triangle, and move people to safety away from traffic before assisting.

Call emergency services and give a precise location, number of casualties and the nature of injuries; do not hang up until told to.

Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger (fire, traffic, fuel leak); suspected spinal injury can be made worse by movement.

Check responsiveness, breathing and bleeding; if the person is not breathing normally, start chest compressions at roughly 100–120 per minute at the centre of the chest.

Control severe bleeding with direct pressure on the wound, using a clean cloth, and keep the pressure until help arrives.

Do not give food or drink to an injured person, and do not remove a motorcycle helmet unless the airway is obstructed and you must.

Keep casualties warm and reassure them; shock signs include pale clammy skin, rapid weak pulse and confusion.

At an accident, exchange names, addresses, insurance and vehicle details, and report the accident to police within the period required by national rules.

Never leave the scene of an accident in which you were involved until it is lawful to do so and details have been exchanged or police have attended.

Defensive driving means assuming other road users may make mistakes and keeping a space margin you can use to avoid their error.

Anticipate by scanning far ahead, checking mirrors regularly, and reading cues such as brake lights, front-wheel angle and driver head movement.

Smooth acceleration and braking, correct tyre pressure and avoiding unnecessary idling reduce fuel use and emissions.

Harsh acceleration and late braking increase fuel consumption and wear; steady speed in the appropriate gear is both safer and cheaper.

Coasting in neutral or with the clutch down reduces control and does not save fuel in modern vehicles; keep the vehicle in gear when moving.

Avoid unnecessary engine idling when stationary for more than a short period; it burns fuel and adds no benefit.

Plan routes to avoid congested areas and combine trips; congestion driving produces high emissions per kilometre.

Do not dispose of oil, batteries, tyres or fluids at the roadside; they contaminate soil and water and must go to an authorised collection point.

Defensive following: maintain the two-second gap, increase it in poor visibility or when the vehicle behind is tailgating, and avoid unnecessary horn use in residential areas.

Default rule at unsigned junctions: yield to traffic approaching from the right; this applies in both urban and rural areas unless signs or markings say otherwise.

At a roundabout, traffic already circulating has priority unless a GIVE WAY line or sign states otherwise; enter only when a gap allows without forcing circulating vehicles to brake.

Turning left across oncoming traffic: you must yield to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right; turning right: yield to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.

Entering a public road from a private driveway, garage, track or unpaved path: you must yield to all traffic already on the public road, including cyclists and pedestrians.

At a STOP sign the stop must be complete - wheels stationary - even if the road appears clear; rolling stops are treated as a failure to stop.

Overtaking, changing lanes and reversing all require yielding; a reversing vehicle must give way to all other road users, including pedestrians behind it.

Emergency vehicles with sirens and flashing lights have priority; you must facilitate their passage, but do not run red lights or endanger others to do so.

At uncontrolled pedestrian crossings, pedestrians on or stepping onto the crossing have absolute priority; approach at a speed that lets you stop.

Junction blocking: do not enter a junction or crossing if traffic beyond it would force you to stop inside it, even on a green light.

Guinea-Bissau drives on the right; signs and signals follow the West African and Portuguese-influenced pattern used by CPLP countries, with red circles for prohibitions and blue circles for obligations.

Octagonal red STOP sign means a full stop at the stop line or, if none, at the edge of the intersecting roadway, yielding to all traffic on the priority road.

Inverted red-and-white triangle (GIVE WAY) means slow down and yield; a full stop is required only if traffic is approaching.

Red circle with a white bar means NO ENTRY; a solid red circle alone means all vehicles prohibited - both are prohibitory, not advisory.

Yellow diamond with white border marks a priority road; the same diamond with a black diagonal bar ends the priority road.

Triangular signs with red borders are warnings (bend, junction, pedestrian crossing, level crossing, uneven road); they do not themselves change the right-of-way rule.

Blue circular signs are mandatory instructions (turn direction, minimum speed, cycle path, roundabout direction); ignoring them is an offence.

Solid white centre line: no crossing or straddling. Broken white line: crossing permitted when safe. Double solid lines are stricter than single solid.

Traffic light sequence is red, red+amber, green, amber, red; a flashing amber or a police officer's signals override the lights, and officer signals override all signs and markings.