Strict Control on Portuguese Roads: An Era of Zero Tolerance in Steering

When talking about safety on the roads, sometimes the numbers alone reveal how serious the situation is. This is exactly why a very comprehensive and strict control process against drunk driving is implemented throughout Portugal.

The "Taxa Zero ao Volante" (Zero Alcohol at the Wheel) campaign, jointly carried out by the National Highway Safety Agency (ANSR), PSP and GNR police, starts on Tuesday, August 18th and continues uninterruptedly throughout the country until August 24th.

Why Is The Painting So Serious?

There is very thought-provoking data for 2025 behind this tightening of controls. Last year, 28 percent of traffic accident victims who were autopsied had blood alcohol levels above the legal limit. Even more shocking, 78 percent of these people had alcohol levels above the legal threshold that would constitute a direct crime.

The clearest message that the authorities are focusing on is this: Alcohol, even in small amounts, weakens reflexes and decision-making speed, creating irreparable risks for everyone on the road.

Inspections in Numbers

The inspection network in the field is already quite wide:

A total of 2.1 million alcohol tests were performed on Portuguese roads throughout 2025.

1.6 percent of these tests resulted positive.

Approximately 2.4 percent of all traffic crimes recorded across the country were drunk driving.

During the week, we will encounter diversions and checks much more frequently on both urban roads and highway connections. It is beneficial to put safety first when getting behind the wheel.

Source: Michael Bruxo, Portugal Resident / ANSR, PSP, GNR joint statement