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Driving Tips - Guerin
Parking fines in Portugal: everything you need to know.
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Parking fines can easily ruin a holiday or even a regular workday. In Portugal, the rules are clear and authorities are strict when it comes to enforcing the Highway Code.
To avoid unnecessary stress, it's essential to understand the main situations that lead to fines, the penalty amounts, and how to park safely. This guide offers practical and straightforward information about parking fines in Portugal, with helpful advice for both tourists and occasional drivers.
Parking fines: rules and potential penalty amounts.
Parking regulations are outlined in the Portuguese Highway Code. The amount of the fine depends on the severity of the offence:
- Minor offences: between 30 and 150 euros. For instance, parking in a prohibited area without causing obstruction.
- Serious offences: between 60 and 300 euros. This includes blocking pedestrian crossings, pavements or access points.
- Very serious offences: may exceed 300 euros, especially if the vehicle poses a danger to others.
Fines may also increase at night or when committed outside urban areas, as explained further below.
Common types of parking fines in Portugal.
Below are the most frequent parking-related infractions and their corresponding fines.
Parking near pedestrian crossings.
Stopping or parking less than five metres from a pedestrian crossing is forbidden. This offence may result in:
- A fine between 60 and 300 euros
- Loss of two driving licence points
- A driving ban from one to twelve months in serious cases
Parking on the pavement.
Blocking pedestrian access is illegal and regularly monitored in urban areas. The fine ranges from 60 to 300 euros. While it does not involve point loss, it may lead to the vehicle being towed.
Parking in front of garages or access points.
It is forbidden to obstruct entrances or exits of garages, car parks or buildings. Offenders may be fined between 60 and 300 euros.
Parking outside urban areas.
Parking less than 50 metres from junctions, bends or roundabouts in rural or non-urban zones can lead to fines of 60 to 300 euros. If committed at night on a traffic lane, the penalty can reach up to 1,250 euros.
Parking in disabled bays.
These spaces are exclusively for drivers with a valid disability card issued by the IMT (Portuguese Transport Authority). Offences result in:
- A fine from 60 to 300 euros
- Loss of two licence points
- Driving ban for up to twelve months
Parking in zones reserved for specific vehicles.
Areas designated for taxis, buses, or commercial vehicles must not be used by private vehicles. Fines range from 60 to 300 euros.
How to pay or appeal a parking fine.
Received a fine? Here’s what you can do:
- Voluntary payment: settling the fine early reduces processing time and avoids additional fees. This is typically possible within a few days of receiving the notification.
- Filing an appeal: if you believe there was a mistake, you may appeal. You'll need to provide concrete evidence and a formal explanation.
- Late payment: missing deadlines may lead to increased penalties, legal consequences and in some cases, asset seizure.
Whenever possible, choose voluntary payment to avoid further legal complications.
Parking fines for foreign drivers.
If you're visiting Portugal, be aware that EU countries share personal data, meaning the fine will eventually arrive at your home address, even if it takes several months. In the case of the United Kingdom, despite Brexit, enforcement continues and notices are sent by post.
If you're driving a rental car, you are responsible for any fines. At Guerin, once we receive a parking fine notification, the cost will be charged to the driver directly.
Practical tips to avoid parking fines.
Avoiding parking fines is within everyone’s reach. All it takes is a bit of attention and following a few simple rules:
- Always check vertical signage (road signs) and horizontal markings (on the ground) before parking.
- In larger cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro, use parking meters or approved parking apps.
- Avoid quick stops in double-parked positions, even if you remain inside the vehicle.
- In historic or tourist areas, look for official car parks.
- Make sure you’re not blocking pedestrian walkways, ramps, or building entrances.
These small precautions make a big difference for anyone who wants to drive safely and stress-free.
Parking apps in Portugal: control and convenience.
Parking in Portugal has become more convenient thanks to mobile apps that let you pay, extend or stop parking sessions directly from your phone. These tools help prevent fines due to expired times or forgetfulness.
- EMEL: widely used in Lisbon, offering fast and easy parking management
- Telpark and EasyPark: available in various cities, with features such as geolocation, reminders and auto-renewals
- Viva Parking: a solution for some smaller towns outside the major metropolitan areas
These apps offer greater flexibility and are essential for anyone driving regularly in Portugal.
Guerin: your ideal travel partner in Portugal.
Planning a trip around Portugal? Choose Guerin to rent the right car for every occasion. We offer a modern fleet tailored to every occasion, from winter getaways to long summer holidays.
Your peace of mind is our priority. That’s why we provide extra protection services and dedicated support so you can drive safely and confidently. With Guerin, explore Portugal with freedom, and without worrying about parking fines.
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