Latest news and stories about driving regulations in Portugal for expats and residents.
The Automobile Club of Portugal (ACP) proposed a “structural reform” of the Highway Code today, as the Government has already considered, with a “substantial increase in fines and penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol.”
Driving schools express criticism regarding the role of tutors under the new driver training regulations.
Data points to a 35% increase in road deaths up to April 6. Alain Areal and António Reis warn of the country's failures on the subject, from driving schools to the Government.
One in four vehicles was detected in the Lisbon and Porto regions.
2025 saw Portugal’s GNR police flag around 73,000 cars circulating on national roads without their obligatory MOTs. The figures round out at a total of around 200 cars identified per The post GNR flag almost 73,000 cars on Portuguese roads without valid MOTs appeared first on Portugal Resident.
It seems absurd to write a column with this title in 2026, but statistics show that drink-driving is on the rise, particularly among new drivers. Furthermore, distracted driving caused by mobile phone use has become a major issue, leading to over 12,000 accidents in the last two years. Despite warnings that phone use increases accident risk by 400%, many drivers continue to prioritise their devices over road safety, necessitating a shift in public awareness campaigns.
Of the offences recorded in January and February, the PSP highlights the 5,192 fines for speeding, which corresponds to 15% of the total number of offences recorded.
This article provides guidance for expats in Portugal whose foreign driver's licenses have expired. It emphasizes that an expired license cannot be exchanged for a Portuguese one; renewal must be completed first. If caught driving with an expired license, fines up to €600 apply, and drivers should immediately stop driving and use public transportation. To renew, expats should contact their home country authorities (e.g., DVLA for the UK) and may need to use a proxy address. Alternatively, they can opt for a full driving test, which involves over 32 hours of lessons and costs €600+. The article stresses the importance of starting the exchange process early within the allowed 185-day or 2-year window to avoid legal issues and delays. It highlights that timely action is crucial to prevent disruptions to travel and daily life in Portugal.
