Portugal

Fines for speeding in Portugal

Fines vary depending on how much the speed limit is exceeded and whether the violation occurs within or outside urban areas.

  • Within Urban Areas:
    • Exceeding by up to 20 km/h: Minor administrative offense, fine ranging from €60 to €300.
    • Exceeding by 21 to 40 km/h: Serious offense, fine between €120 and €600, with a possible driving disqualification for 1 month to 1 year.
    • Exceeding by 41 to 60 km/h: Very serious offense, fine ranging from €300 to €1,500, with driving disqualification for 2 months to 2 years.
    • Exceeding by more than 60 km/h: Very serious offense, fine between €500 and €2,500, and driving disqualification for 1 month to 1 year.
  • Outside Urban Areas:
    • Exceeding by up to 30 km/h: Minor administrative offense, fine ranging from €60 to €300.
    • Exceeding by 31 to 60 km/h: Serious offense, fine between €120 and €600, with a possible driving disqualification for 1 month to 1 year.
    • Exceeding by 61 to 80 km/h: Very serious offense, fine ranging from €300 to €1,500, with driving disqualification for 2 months to 2 years.
    • Exceeding by more than 80 km/h: Very serious offense, fine between €500 and €2,500, and driving disqualification for 1 month to 1 year.

Additional Penalties:

  • License Points: Serious offenses result in the loss of 3 points on your driving license, while very serious offenses lead to the loss of 5 points.
  • Minimum Speed on Motorways: Driving below 50 km/h on motorways without justified reason is prohibited and can result in a fine ranging from €60 to €300.

Do I need to purchase Vignette?

In Portugal, there is a toll system for highways, but there is no vignette system for passenger vehicles. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Who Needs a Vignette?

  • No vignette required for passenger vehicles in Portugal.
  • Instead, Portugal has a toll system for most major highways (autoestradas).

2. Where Are Tolls Needed?

  • Toll Roads: Most of Portugal’s autoestradas (motorways) are toll roads. Key toll highways include:
    • A1: Lisbon to Porto
    • A2: Lisbon to Algarve
    • A3: Porto to the north
    • A4: Porto to Bragança
    • A5: Lisbon to Cascais
  • Electronic Tolls: Some newer highways in Portugal have electronic tolling systems, where there are no toll booths, and the toll is automatically charged to the vehicle as it passes through. These include roads like:
    • A22: Algarve region
    • A8 and A9: Some parts near Lisbon

3. Toll Prices

  • Passenger Cars: Tolls vary depending on the highway and distance traveled. On average, tolls range from €1 to €10, depending on the route.
    • For example:
      • A1 (Lisbon to Porto): Approximately €6 to €8.
      • A2 (Lisbon to Algarve): Around €7 to €10.
  • Larger Vehicles: Trucks and buses pay higher tolls, with fees based on their size and weight.

4. Where to Pay Tolls

  • Traditional Toll Booths: On some highways, you’ll stop at toll booths to pay the toll with cash or card.
  • Electronic Tolling (Via Verde):
    • Via Verde is the most common system for electronic toll payments. With Via Verde, you can drive through toll gates without stopping, and the toll is automatically charged to your account.
    • Tag System: You can get a Via Verde tag (which attaches to your vehicle) for automatic toll payments. This is convenient for frequent travelers.
    • Non-Registered Vehicles: For those without Via Verde, tolls are collected via number plate recognition at certain toll sections, and you must pay online or at service stations within 3 days of using the toll road.

5. Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Failure to Pay Toll: If you don’t pay the toll, you could face fines ranging from €25 to €50 depending on the amount of time since the toll was due.
    • For non-payment of electronic tolls, there is a €50 fine if not paid within 3 days.
  • Via Verde Non-Compliance: If you don’t have a Via Verde tag or have insufficient funds in your account, you may also face fines.

6. Additional Information

  • Environmental Zones: While Portugal does not have low-emission zones (LEZs) in place, certain cities, like Lisbon, have been discussing plans to introduce restrictions for older, high-emission vehicles in the future.
  • Toll-Free Roads: Many smaller roads and secondary highways in Portugal are toll-free, so you can avoid tolls by choosing alternative routes, although they might take longer.

7. Tips for Travelers

  • Get a Via Verde Tag: If you’re planning to use the highways frequently, it’s a good idea to get a Via Verde tag for automatic toll payments. It will save you time at toll booths.
  • Pay Online for Electronic Tolls: If you use roads with electronic tolling, make sure to pay your tolls online or at service stations within 3 days to avoid penalties.
  • Check Routes for Tolls: If you’re on a budget, plan your route in advance to identify toll roads and see if there are any toll-free alternatives.