Electronic traffic control plays a fundamental role in road safety. In Portugal, speed radars are widely used to monitor and reduce violations, helping to prevent accidents. We will explore the types of existing radars, the differences in relation to Brazil, the amounts of fines, the score on the driver's license and some curiosities that can help you drive more safely.
How Do Radars Work in Portugal?
Portugal has several types of radars to control the speed of vehicles:
Fixed Radars: Permanently installed in strategic locations to continuously supervise traffic.
Mobile Radars: Used by the Public Security Police (PSP) and the Republican National Guard (GNR), they change location periodically to surprise offending drivers.
Section Radars: They measure the average speed between two points and apply fines if the limit is exceeded.
Traffic Light Radars: They capture vehicles that pass the red light.
The PSP publishes a monthly list of mobile radars that will be active. According to the article "Know where the more than 100 radars will be 'hidden' in March, including in the Algarve" published in Postal.pt, more than 100 radars will be operational in several regions of the country, including Lisbon, Porto and Algarve.
In Lisbon, for example, some of the most inspected places include:
Second Circular
Avenida da Índia
North-South Axis
IC19 (Sintra-Lisbon)
If you often drive in these areas, it's worth paying attention!
In Porto, the most active radars can be found at:
VCI (Internal Waist Path)
Boavista Avenue
Camões Street
IC1 (Matosinhos-Porto)
These are some of the main areas where there is intensive inspection, especially at times of greater vehicle flow.
Driving License Score in Portugal
Unlike Brazil, where the driver's license has a points system to penalise infractions, in Portugal the driver's license works with a 12-point system. The driver loses points according to the severity of the offence and, when it reaches zero, he may have the letter revoked. Example of loss of points:
Speeding up to 20 km/h: No loss of points
Between 21 km/h and 40 km/h above the limit: Loss of 2 points
More than 50 km/h above the limit: Loss of 4 points and possibility of driving inhibition
Drivers can recover points over time if they do not commit new infractions.
Comparison: Radars in Portugal vs. Brazil
Although both countries use radars, there are some important differences:
Advance notice: In Portugal, the location of radars is publicly disclosed, unlike in Brazil, where there is no obligation of prior notice.
Section Radars: More common in Portugal than in Brazil.
Fines and Penalties: In Brazil, fines vary according to the category of the offence (light, medium, serious and very serious). In Portugal, the penalties are more severe for high speeding, which can lead to the loss of the driver's license.
Speeding Fines in Portugal
The amount of fines depends on the limit exceeded:
Up to 20 km/h above the limit (In the urban area): Fine from €60 to €300.
Between 21 km/h and 40 km/h above the limit: Fine from €120 to €600, with the possibility of losing points.
More than 50 km/h above the limit: Fine above €500, which may result in driving inhibition.
Curiosities about Radars in Portugal
The most modern radars capture high-definition images and identify offences such as mobile phone use at the wheel and absence of seat belts.
Some mischaracterised PSP and GNR vehicles have integrated mobile radars.
Inspection is more intense at the entrances and exits of large cities, especially in Lisbon and Porto.
Radars in Portugal are an essential tool for road safety and to reduce offences. As we have seen, there are significant differences in relation to Brazil, especially in the way fines are applied and in the driver's license points system.
If you drive through Lisbon, Porto or any other Portuguese city, it is worth being aware of speed limits and inspections. In addition to avoiding fines, it contributes to safer traffic for everyone.
And you, have you ever had any experience with radars or inspection on the roads of Portugal? Share with us in the comments! Do you want to know more about active radars in your region? See the official list on the PSP website (www.psp.pt) and drive responsibly!
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