Another measure announced by Luís Neves involves a “new Highway Code” and increased enforcement, with police checkpoints no longer requiring prior announcement.
No prior notice
“With us, there will no longer be any checkpoints that require prior notice,” the Minister stated, stressing that enforcement must be “even more visible, more effective, unwavering, and uncompromising.”
More speed radars
The Minister also announced that there will be more speed-control radars, that the criteria for revoking drivers' licenses will be broadened, and that driving under the influence of alcohol will face “aggravated penalties.”
Luís Neves guaranteed that he will fight against the statute of limitations for road traffic offence proceedings, announcing that he will increase the limitation period to an “unprecedented limit,” the maximum allowed by law.
Regarding the National Road Safety Strategy, the minister acknowledged that it is behind schedule and indicated that it is already in the legislative process and should be approved soon.
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Português (Brasil)
Not before time! There are way too few police controls on drivers in Portugal. My first time was after 5 years and over 30,000km driven. It should be at least annual and every 5,000km driven. Police should be checking for more than just speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but driving on highways in unmarked cars to observe other drivers' behaviour, and patrolling stop signs and T-junctions unseen. Fine people for failing to use indicators - their use is obligatory.
By Billy Bissett from Porto on 16 Apr 2026, 10:59
Good steps. Now you need some actual police guys that understand the dangers of reckless driving and actually punish those who give us all the finger.
New laws are great, but being able to enforce them is another.
By Nico from Lisbon on 16 Apr 2026, 14:18
It is appalling the number of accidents that happen in Portugal per year. Such a small country but such high numbers of accidents.
Local officials should impose hard fines, and loose your license with serious offences.
there nothing like hefty fines to straighten out the Masses.
By paulo from Other on 16 Apr 2026, 16:10
Vast majority of Portuguese people over a certain age don't trust the paramilitary GNR because what they did during the Salazar years and until their power was short circuited after the regime's downfall. I'm not old enough but certainly have heard enough stories from my relatives, have no love for them, and don't want them regaining any power whatsoever. Unfortunately, though, it's a trend in Portugal that some are reconsidering the Salazar government and giving them a post-historical reassessment by downplaying their atrocities and abuses of the Portuguese people.
By Paul Jacinto from Lisbon on 16 Apr 2026, 16:37
Sounds great - where are these cops coming from?
I do not see many out and about...
By Mark from Lisbon on 16 Apr 2026, 20:41
Legallize dashcams in Portugal. Then drivers will be aware their mistakes are recorded everywhere.
By Marco from Alentejo on 17 Apr 2026, 13:42
Yes, couldn't agree more, its about time Portugal implemented stricter controls for road users. As a professional driver in Porto for almost 5 years of my 10 year life in Portugal so far, I see the same thing, day in, day out. Speeding. Aggressive behaviour and manoeuvres. Drivers changing lanes (to exit the motorway, for example..) at the very last moment perhaps to avoid traffic queue, in doing so cutting off any safe braking distance. Speaking of which, sitting 2 metres behind you on a fast road if your not going fast enough, then swerving right in front having overtaken. Lack of indicator usage. I'm sure this also sounds very familiar, doesn't it. It's really unbelievable, what is regarded as the 'norm' here. There's a complete lack of common sense and respect towards one another, let alone towards cycle users and pedestrians. I could go on. I think it's partly a 'cultural' thing but also due to poor road safety education as well, so I think more controls, more unmarked patrols, speed cameras, etc. Great. I think additionally there could be some kind of road safety awareness campaign, I think that would also help reduce the number of incidents on the road. Incidentally, it may also help reduce the astonishingly high rate of cardiac arrests in Portugal per 100,000 compared with the rest of Europe.
By Daniel from Porto on 17 Apr 2026, 14:05
On the A22 racetrack that it has now become, the only way to stop these lunatics speeding is to either
1, re-introduce the tolls that will force the majority back to cheaper routes & off the A22
Or 2, Where the toll gantries are place speed cameras for any speeding , tail gaiting tc etc. (Mind you they would run out of film in one day) . Please tell me why mainly young women on this A22 & other roads in that matter, have zero concept of speed. The Standard of driving here in Portugal is appalling, especially on the Algarve.
By carlmason from Algarve on 17 Apr 2026, 21:29
Speeding is only one factor regarding road accidents. Other big factors that receive less attention are impaired driving, cell phone use behind the wheel, not following the rules at roundabouts, not signaling when turning or changing lanes, parking or stopping suddenly on the street for no apparent emergency, not stopping at stop signs, not yielding right.of way when entering a street, and many more examples... overall, many drivers in Portugal are driving the same way they have been decades ago
.
By Peer Gerber from Lisbon on 22 Apr 2026, 17:25
Where is he going to magic up all the people for this fools errand?
By Martin Wootton from Lisbon on 23 Apr 2026, 09:57