Portugal and Spain raise traffic fines for lane misuse, parking and emergency‑light violations

Portugal's road code requires drivers to keep to the right‑most lane. Driving continuously in the middle or left lane without justification is classified as an offence and can be fined between €60 and €300.

Parking violations in Portugal also carry steep penalties. Illicit night parking on the roadway may attract fines up to €1,250, while using spaces reserved for people with disabilities or blocking pedestrian crossings can result in fines from €60 to €300 plus possible towing charges.

Since 2014 Portugal has participated in an EU data‑exchange system that forwards foreign traffic fines to Portuguese drivers. Recent EU rule changes will expand the list of infractions covered, aiming to reduce the roughly 40 % of cross‑border tickets that previously went unpaid.

In Spain, the traffic authority (DGT) confirms that the improper use of emergency lights is punishable by a fixed €200 fine.