Next year brings changes for some drivers on national roads, as toll exemptions are planned, which were approved by the Assembly of the Republic (AR). So, what will change? The changes target the A2, A6, A8, A19, A25 and the A41-CREP.

In statements to journalists in Parliament, at the end of the debate and final overall approval of the proposed State Budget for 2026, Luís Montenegro estimated the financial impact of the measures approved in Parliament against the wishes of the PSD and CDS-PP at around 100 million euros.

Which tolls will end in 2026?

A25 - In the case of the A25, there will be an exemption "along the entire" length of the highway, as foreseen in the rule approved during the specialized vote on the 2026 State Budget. Part of the A25 does not involve costs for users, but "a small stretch remained where toll collection was maintained, so now it is proposed to correct this incongruity, eliminating tolls on the entire A25 highway".

A6 and A2 - The exemption only covers people residing and companies headquartered in certain "areas of influence" of the two highways and covers the sections of the A6 between the A2/A6/A13 junction and Caia, as well as the A2 between the A2/A6/A13 junction and Almodôvar.

A41, A19 and A8 - Parliament approved a PS amendment proposal to the 2026 State Budget to exempt heavy vehicles from tolls on the Porto Outer Ring Road (A41) and part of the A19 and A8, in the Leiria region.

Impact of Exemptions

According to the Budgetary Technical Support Unit (UTAO), the approval of exemptions on the A6 and A2 highways implies, for 2026, an "annual loss of toll revenue" of €23.8 million, of which €4.5 million relates to VAT.

However, "taking into account the period required for the regulation of the rules defined in the proposed amendment (approximately 90 days), it is estimated that the impact in 2026 (April to December), at current prices, will be €17.9 million, which includes €3.3 million in VAT revenue."

From 2027 onwards, "the budgetary impact should intensify, both because 2026 constitutes a transition year, and due to the effect of the annual update of tolls and the expected evolution of demand, until its stabilization," anticipates UTAO.