Be careful with your phone while driving in Portugal: The fine can increase to 1,250 euros, the loss can increase to 3 points

In Portugal, during the inspections carried out by GNR across the country between 28 August and 3 September, action was taken against 278 drivers who used mobile phones while driving.

In the same week, GNR detected a total of 8,868 traffic violations. The most recorded violation was exceeding the speed limit with 1,325 cases. This was followed by 1,132 mandatory vehicle inspection violations. citeturn2search3turn2search7

What is the penalty for using a phone?

According to the current information of the Portuguese National Road Safety Authority ANSR, continuous use or handling of a device that may affect driving while the vehicle is in motion is classified as a serious traffic violation — contraordenação grave.

Sanctions are as follows:

Fine between 250 euros and 1,250 euros, driving ban for 1 to 12 months and loss of 3 points on your driver's license. citeturn3search0

Points are deducted from the driver's license after the administrative decision is finalized. citeturn3search0

8,868 traffic violations in one week

During GNR's operations between August 28 and September 3, 1,325 speed violations, 1,132 compulsory inspection violations, 427 lighting and signaling system violations, 403 cases of drunk driving above the legal limit and 341 compulsory insurance violations were detected.

Additionally, 297 tachograph violations, 278 telephone use violations and 239 seat belt or child restraint system violations were recorded. citeturn2search3

564 people were detained red-handed

same period It was not limited to traffic controls only.

GNR detained 564 people red-handed in operations across the country. Of these, 229 were related to drunk driving, 124 to driving without a license and 61 to drug trafficking. citeturn2search3

It is especially important for drivers to know that the phone rule is not just about fines. Since the violation is considered a serious traffic violation, it is possible that it may affect the points on the driver's license and the right to drive for a certain period of time.

Resources

ANSR — Carta por Pontos / current traffic sanctions:

Linhas de Elvas, 6 September 2026 — GNR weekly operating data: GNR deteve 564 pessoas numa semana