The Portuguese Government has announced the creation of a new Highway Code aimed at addressing the high level of road traffic accidents in Portugal and strengthening road safety and enforcement mechanisms. The reform seeks to consolidate existing legislation into a single, updated and more coherent legal framework.
The new Highway Code is designed to improve the effectiveness of enforcement and reduce accidents and fatalities on Portuguese roads, while ensuring clearer and more consistent rules for all road users.
Under the new framework, the Government intends to reinforce operational capacity through the reactivation of the GNR Traffic Brigade, which will be reorganised with a national command structure and specialised units dedicated to road policing.
The reform also introduces a stronger enforcement approach, including increased deployment of speed radars and the elimination of prior notice for police stop-and-check operations, thereby enhancing the unpredictability and effectiveness of road controls.
In addition, the new Highway Code provides for stricter penalties for traffic offences. This includes increased fines for speeding, dangerous driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as an extension of the criteria for the revocation of driving licences and longer limitation periods for traffic offences.
Overall, the new Highway Code aims to strengthen road safety in Portugal by improving enforcement, increasing deterrence, and promoting more responsible driving behaviour across the country.
