The ST3 'Supressão da berma' sign, meaning 'shoulder removal' or 'lane reduction', is a temporary vertical sign used in Portugal. It indicates that the normal road layout has changed, often due to roadworks or incidents, requiring drivers to adapt to narrower lanes or altered traffic paths. You must slow down, follow the temporary channel, and be prepared for changed conditions, ensuring you drive safely around obstacles and workers.
This sign indicates the suppression of the shoulder, requiring drivers to adapt to temporary lane configurations and potential hazards. Essential for your theory test revision, understanding this sign ensures safe navigation through work zones and diversions in Portugal.
ST3 - Supressão da berma (Supressão da berma) belongs to the Portuguese temporary vertical signs category in the Regulamento de Sinalização do Trânsito. Visually, this belongs to the temporary-road-signing environment, where yellow signs, movable equipment, barriers, cones, beacons, or alignment devices guide traffic around works, closures, obstacles, and temporary hazards. The official wording is: supressão da berma. It reflects the current temporary layout and must be treated as the active instruction where works, incidents, closures, or obstacles change normal conditions. For theory preparation, connect the sign to a concrete driving decision: where to look, when to slow, whether to stop or yield, which route or lane to choose, and whether any panel changes the scope of the rule. On the road, interpret it together with markings, traffic lights, police directions, temporary works signs, and any additional panel placed with it. A strong exam answer explains both recognition and behaviour: not only what the sign is called, but what a safe and lawful driver must do next.
ST3 - Supressão da berma (Supressão da berma) means that the driver must understand and apply this official Portuguese instruction: supressão da berma. In practical terms, you should slow down, follow the temporary channel or instruction, and expect lanes, priorities, workers, obstacles, or carriageway limits to differ from normal.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the ST3 - ST3 - Supressão da berma (Supressão da berma) road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the Portuguese driving theory exam in Portugal.
The ST3 'Supressão da berma' sign indicates that the shoulder or part of the carriageway is temporarily closed or reduced. It means you need to follow a revised traffic route, slow down, and be aware that lane widths and priorities may differ from normal.
When you see the ST3 'Supressão da berma' sign, you must reduce your speed, be ready to change lanes or follow a temporary route, and maintain extra clearance around any obstacles, workers, or machinery. Always follow any cones, barriers, or guidance devices present.
Yes, you are prohibited from driving into areas marked by cones, barriers, or closure signs. You should not assume the permanent road layout still applies through works or incidents, and you must avoid passing workers, obstacles, or narrow lanes too quickly or too closely.
A common exam trap is not understanding that temporary signs like ST3 take precedence over permanent road markings or layout. Learners might also fail to recognise the need to significantly reduce speed and increase caution when approaching or passing through the area indicated by the sign.
The ST3 sign is a key part of temporary traffic management for road works, incidents, or closures. It alerts drivers that the usual road conditions are altered, and they must follow the specific, temporary layout provided by signs, cones, and barriers until the affected section ends.
Overtaking in an area affected by the ST3 'Supressão da berma' sign is generally not advised and may be prohibited, especially if lanes are narrowed or traffic is being diverted. Always follow the traffic flow and temporary guidance; if in doubt, do not overtake. Check for any additional signs that might clarify specific rules.
A clear reference image of the ST3 - ST3 - Supressão da berma (Supressão da berma) road sign used in Portugal.
The ST3 - ST3 - Supressão da berma (Supressão da berma) road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The ST3 - ST3 - Supressão da berma (Supressão da berma) road sign is part of the Temporary Vertical Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Mastering Portuguese road signs requires understanding subtle differences. Comparing similar traffic signs aids sign recognition and sharpens your theory test revision for improved exam performance.
ST10 Circulação Alternada: Navigating Temporary Traffic Flow
ST11 Trânsito sujeito a demora: Prepare for Delays and Temporary Road Changes
ST12: Understand the Emergency Telephone Sign for Temporary Traffic Management
ST13 Accident Sign: Navigate Safely Around Incident Sites
ST14 Fim de Obras: End of Temporary Roadworks Zone Sign
ST1a: Understand the Number and Direction of Traffic Lanes
ST1b: Follow Temporary Lane Numbers and Directions
ST1c: Follow the Temporary Lane Number and Direction Instructions
After reviewing the full list, explore signs by specific categories such as warning, regulatory, or informational to deepen your understanding. Practise recognizing signs in context and prepare effectively for your Portuguese driving licence theory test.
All Portuguese Road Signs List