Portugal Highway Code: Digital Driving Licence and New Electric Scooter Rules

According to Jornal de Notícias, the Government is preparing a package of changes to the Highway Code, which have already been set out in a draft decree-law.

From tougher fines and new rules for electric scooters to the introduction of a digital driving licence, major changes are being planned for the rules governing road use in Portugal.

Digital driving licence and vehicle documents

Starting with the digital driving licence, the draft decree-law reportedly provides for a digital driving licence and a mobile app in which motorists can store all their vehicle documents: the inspection certificate, insurance certificate (the well-known “green card”) and proof of ownership.

However, “it is not all plain sailing”. According to Jornal de Notícias, if authorities at a roadside check do not have the equipment needed to read these digital documents, the driver must attend a PSP police station or the GNR within five days to present the documents in physical form.

The driving licence itself is also set to be updated, with the addition of a QR code and a duplicate photograph of the holder. The aim is to enable digital licence checks and strengthen security.

Electric scooters face stricter rules

Alongside the digital driving licence, the revised Highway Code is also expected to impose tighter requirements on electric scooters. This comes despite plans to end the compulsory use of helmets by riders of pedal cycles and electric motor scooters.

Scooters capable of exceeding 25 km/h and fitted with a motor producing more than 250 watts will no longer be allowed to use cycle lanes or routes designated for pedestrians and pedal cycles.

Anyone who breaches this rule faces a fine of between 60 and 300 euros, may lose two points from their driving licence and could even have their electric scooter confiscated.

Mobile phone use and “wild caravanning” targeted

Electric scooters are not the only focus of this Highway Code overhaul. Mobile phone use while driving is another area being targeted.

Drivers who use a mobile phone at the wheel could face fines ranging from 250 to 1250 euros, compared with the previous range of 120 to 600 euros, and may also have three points deducted from their driving licence.

New overnight restrictions for motorhomes and caravans

For motorhomes and caravans, the document proposes that overnight stays between 21:00 and 07:00 outside designated parking areas for these vehicles will carry a fine of between 60 and 300 euros. If this takes place in a Natura 2000 area or a natural park, the fine will rise to between 120 euros and 600 euros.

In coastal areas, the National Maritime Authority will also be given enforcement powers alongside the GNR and PSP.

Finally, the proposals include an exemption from the requirement to use child seats in TVDE vehicles, as is already the case in taxis, and a provision that a driving licence will expire when its holder dies.

Sources: Jornal de Notícias, Observador, Executive Digest, Jornal i.