Portugal traffic fines

You obviously do not intend to, but what if you do violate the traffic rules in Portugal? What about the fine?

Fines Portugal

• In Portugal, a distinction is made between minor, serious and very serious traffic offenses. Minimum and maximum fines have been set for these categories.
• Only a fine is imposed for minor traffic offenses. Serious to very serious traffic offenses are not only punished with a fine, but a driving ban or driving disqualification can also be imposed.
• In the event of an arrest, the fine must be paid immediately (the police usually have a pin machine). The fine must in any case be paid within 15 days.
• Payment of the fine means that the matter is thus settled. Appeal is then no longer possible.
• An appeal against the fine must be lodged within 15 days.
• In case of drunk driving, a vehicle (maximum 12 hours) can be impounded.

Points driver’s license

• Portugal has a points driving license for serious (r) traffic offenses. Depending on the seriousness of the offenses, penalty points will be deducted from the total of 12 points. The points driving license is only valid for Portuguese territory.

Deposit

• If the fine is not paid immediately, a deposit equal to the maximum amount must be paid. This is also necessary if you want to appeal against the fine.
• The eventually imposed fine will be deducted from the deposit paid.
• If the deposit is also not paid, the police can confiscate the driver’s license or vehicle papers.

Liability

• In principle, the driver is liable for the offenses he commits.
• If the driver is not known, the license plate holder is liable and responsible for payment of the fine, unless he can prove that the vehicle was used without his permission, for example in the event of theft.

Arrest

• In the event of an arrest, for example after a traffic accident, the embassy can provide information about the case law and further course of affairs.

Fines

• The amounts mentioned are indications and may in practice be higher or lower, depending on the circumstances under which the traffic violation was committed.

Speeding violation

Within the built-up area

• Exceedance up to 20 km / h: € 60-300.
• Exceeding 20 to 40 km / h: € 120-600.
• Exceeding 41 to 60 km / h: € 300-1,500.
• Exceedance from 60 km / h: € 500-2,500.
• In addition, a driving disqualification can be imposed.

Outside the built-up area

• Exceeding up to 30 km / h: € 60-300.
• Exceeding 30 to 60 km / h: € 120-600.
• Exceeding 60 to 80 km / h: € 300-1,500.
• Exceedance from 80 km / h: € 500-2,500.
• In addition, a driving disqualification can be imposed.

• Driving through a red light: € 120-600.
• Overtaking ban violation: € 120-600.
• Crossing the solid line: € 120-600.
• Parking violation: € 30-150.
• Parking on the sidewalk or zebra crossing: € 60-300.
• In the dark outside the built-up area: € 250-1,250.
• No priority: € 120-600.
• Not granting right of way on the motorway: € 250-1,200.
• Driving without a seat belt / child restraint: € 120-600.
• Use cell phone while driving: € 120-600.
• Use anti-radar: € 500-2,500.
• No lighting during the day: € 60-300.

Driving under the influence

• From 0.5 ‰ to 0.8 ‰: € 250-1,250.
• More than 0.8 ‰: € 500-2,500.
• Depending on the blood alcohol level, a prison sentence and / or a driving disqualification can also be imposed.
• Driving under the influence of drugs: € 500-2,500.

Safety vest and warning triangle

• Not using the warning triangle or safety vest: € 120-600.
• Not having a safety vest: € 60-600.

Here you will find more information about Portugal.