The amendments to the Highway Code approved in November take effect this Friday, with aggravated fines for using the mobile phone while driving and the loss of three points on the driving license.
The value of fines by use of phone will duplicate, an established penalty between 250 a 1.250 euros.
On the eve of the entry into force of Decree-Law 102-B / 2020, the National Road Safety Authority (Mor) argued that the objective of the new rules is to increase road safety and adopt measures to reduce bureaucracy.
Among the changes, stand out the worsening of the fine for the use of phone while driving and driving subtraction of three points on the driving license, instead of the previous two points, “like driving under the influence of alcohol”, as well as inclusion of drivers of uncharacterized vehicles affections remunerated passenger transport from a platform electronic (On TV) in the group of drivers subject to the special regime, considers driving under the influence of alcohol at a rate equal to or greater than 0,20 grams / l.
In a statement issued today, the ANSR recalled the obligation for tractors circulate with a raised safety arch and in service position, provided they are approved with this structure, as well as use of the belt and other safety devices with which vehicles are equipped, including “special light tellers” (yellow rotary).
The non-compliance can lead to a fine between 120 and 600 euros.
The amendments also enshrine the ban on parking and overnight motorhomes outside authorized locations.
Inspection powers were attributed to GNR, to PSP, the Maritime Police and the municipalities to act outside public roads and protected areas in situations of overnight stay and parking of motorhomes or trailers outside authorized places.
It becomes possible to present the identification documents to the inspection entities through the application id.gov.pt.
The new measures also cover trotinetes electrical, that become equivalent to bicycles when they reach a maximum speed up to 25 kilometers per hour or maximum continuous power up to 0,25 kilowatts.
Those that reach speeds above these limits are subject to fines of 60 a 300 euros, if they circulate in disregard for the respective technical characteristics and circulation regime applicable, in other words, cease to be able to circulate on cycle paths and on pedestrian and cycle routes.
As security forces and services and the National Road Safety Authority now communicate via electronic for the purpose of participation counter-ordinance and statistical record.
The revision of the Highway Code also allows a concentration of all categories of vehicles on the driving license, allowing the elimination of licenses to drive tractors and agricultural or forest machines on public roads, and exemption from the lifting of administrative offenses for vehicle drivers on urgent relief or public interest missions.
Under the new measures, drivers will be able to retrieve driving licenses that have expired, by taking exam tests or attending training courses.
The amendments cover four complementary diplomas of the Highway Code, namely the Regulation of Legal Qualification to Drive and the decree-law that establishes the individual registration of the driver.
The Council of Ministers approved on 27 November the amendments to the Highway Code that now come into force.
