In a statement, the PSP said that there was a significant increase in the crime of driving without a license, with 6,912 people being detained last year, which corresponds to an increase of 57 percent compared to 2019 (with 4,407 arrests).

According to the PSP, this upward trend continues in 2021, since 610 arrests were recorded in January, which corresponds to a 56 percent increase compared to the same period in 2020.

PSP reminds the public that drivers must also always have a valid insurance document.

With regard to the mandatory periodic vehicle inspection, PSP states that Regulation (EU) 2020/698 has extended for seven months the validity of technical inspection certificates whose expiry date is between 01 February and 31 August 2020, the extension expires on March 31, 2021.

Drivers must also have the inspection certificate in the vehicle, which is only accepted in physical format.

The PSP also reminds the public that the inspection centers are in operation, by prior booking online, highlighting that a proof of appointment constitutes an exception to lockdown movement restrictions.

With regard to the driving license, the PSP stresses that it must be valid, under penalty of incurring the crime of driving without legal authorization.

"Driving licenses can be renewed up to six months before the expiry date, and can be presented in electronic format exclusively through the id.gov.pt application", informs PSP.

Driving licenses and citizen cards that expired after 24 February, 2020 are automatically valid until March 31 of this year.

According to the PSP, after this date they are only considered valid if the holder is accompanied by proof of the renewal schedule, as long as requested before 31 March.

Driving license renewal can also be carried out at http://www.imtonline.pt.