Speeding continues to be the main cause of fines in Portugal, but there are also penalties for those who drive too slowly.

Speeding persists as the offense that generates the most fines, corresponding to 66.7% of the total offenses sanctioned in Portugal in the first half of 2023, according to ANSR and reported by Postal. However, while drivers must remain alert when adhering to speed limits, few are aware of the minimum limits, and they can also be penalised for driving too slowly.

Here are the rules according to Razão Automóvel:

The maximum speed limits, inside and outside the towns, are defined in Articles 27, 145, 146, and 147 of the Portuguese Highway Code (CE).

Within localities, the fines for speeding are as follows:

Up to 20 km/h — Minor administrative offence, punishable by a fine of 60 to 300 euros.

Between 20 km/h and up to 40 km/h — Serious offense, is punishable by a fine of 120 to 600 euros, with a possible driving disqualification for between one month and one year.

Between 40 km/h and 60 km/h — Very serious offense, is punishable by a fine of 300 to 1500 euros, with driving disqualification for between two months and two years.

More than 60 km/h — Very serious offense, is punishable by a fine of 500 to 2500 euros, and driving disqualification for between one month and one year.

Outside localities, the fines for speeding are as follows:

Up to 30 km/h — Minor administrative offence, punishable by a fine of 60 to 300 euros.

Between 30 km/h and 60 km/h — Serious offense, punishable by a fine of 120 to 600 euros, with a possible driving disqualification for between one month and one year.

Between 60 km/h and 80 km/h — Very serious offense, is punishable by a fine of 300 to 1500 euros, with driving disqualification for between two months and two years.

More than 80 km/h — Very serious offense, is punishable by a fine of 500 to 2500 euros, and driving disqualification for between one month and one year.

It is important to highlight that serious offenses result in the loss of three points on your driving license, while very serious offenses result in the loss of five points, in accordance with Article 148 of the EC.

Minimum speeds and fines

Regarding minimum speeds, article 26 of the EC stipulates that drivers must not travel at a speed that causes unjustified problems to other road users, being punishable with a fine of 60 to 300 euros if they violate this rule. Furthermore, on motorways, it is prohibited to travel at a speed below 50 km/h, subject to a fine of 60 to 300 euros, in accordance with Article 27 of the EC.