Highway Code could change: ACP proposes stricter road rules in Portugal

The Automóvel Club de Portugal has presented the Government with a set of proposals that could bring profound changes to the Highway Code as early as 2026. The aim is to reduce road accidents, strengthen safety on the roads, and adapt the legislation to the new realities of modern mobility.

Among the suggested measures are stricter rules on alcohol consumption, significantly higher fines, changes to the points-based driving licence system, and new obligations for users of electric scooters and bicycles.

Zero tolerance for alcohol could become a reality

One of the most controversial proposals presented by the ACP is the implementation of zero tolerance for alcohol for professional, emergency, and probationary drivers. Currently, these drivers have a limit of 0.2 g/l, but the association argues that any amount of alcohol in the blood should be sanctioned.

For all other drivers, the ACP suggests an increase in fines starting from 0.2 g/l, well below the current general limit of 0.5 g/l. The proposal provides for heavier fines depending on the recorded blood alcohol level, and in cases of criminal offence or repeat offence there could even be revocation of the driving licence.

According to the association, these changes are intended to combat one of the most frequent offences on Portuguese roads. In the first nine months of 2025, drink-driving increased by 7.7% compared to the previous year.

Using a mobile phone while driving could lead to much heavier fines

The ACP also wants to tighten penalties for mobile phone use while driving. Fines could rise to amounts between €500 and €1,250, in an attempt to curb one of the most dangerous distractions at the wheel.

Points-based driving licence and mandatory training

The current points-based driving licence system could also undergo important changes.

Instead of simply losing points, some drivers could be required to attend road safety training and rehabilitation programmes in order to keep their driving licence. The ACP believes that the educational component should gain greater importance in combating dangerous behaviour.

The association is also proposing mandatory training for drivers who have held a licence for more than 25 years, as well as an update to training for new drivers, adapted to the modern technologies present in today’s cars.

New rules for bicycles, scooters, and electric mobility

The ACP’s proposals also cover light mobility vehicles, such as electric bicycles and scooters.

Among the suggested measures are:

• mandatory insurance

• registration plate or vehicle identification

• mandatory helmet use

• greater enforcement on public roads

According to the ACP, these changes would help create greater responsibility and safety for all road users.

Speed limits and tighter enforcement

Another proposal provides for speed limits of 30 km/h within a radius of 150 metres around schools and hospitals, in addition to increased road enforcement and automated monitoring on Portuguese roads.

The ACP also argues for stricter rules on parking at electric charging stations and greater enforcement of working hours for professional drivers and TVDE drivers.

Why does the ACP want to change the Highway Code?

According to the ACP, the last major reform of the Highway Code took place in 2005 and no longer fully responds to the current reality of Portuguese roads, marked by new technologies, electric vehicles, scooters, and different forms of mobility.

The proposals also come after the increase in the number of deaths and serious injuries on the roads during Easter 2026, which led the Government to admit a thorough revision of road legislation.

For now, none of the measures has been approved. The document is now in the hands of the Government, which will decide which measures may move forward in a future revision of the Highway Code.

Sources: ACP, Sic Notícias, Vida Económica