Portugal road safety enforcement campaigns

As part of the 2026 National Enforcement Plan, Portuguese authorities have implemented a series of road safety campaigns aimed at reducing traffic fatalities and injuries.

In mid-August 2026, the National Road Safety Authority (ANSR), the National Republican Guard (GNR), and the Public Security Police (PSP) launched the ‘Taxa Zero ao Volante’ (Zero Alcohol Behind the Wheel) initiative. This campaign focused on combating driving under the influence through nationwide awareness and intensified enforcement in high-risk areas. The initiative followed data from 2025 showing that 28 out of every 100 autopsied road accident victims had blood alcohol levels exceeding the legal limit.

In September 2026, authorities transitioned to the ‘Cinto-me Vivo’ campaign. This phase of the enforcement plan shifted focus toward the correct use of seatbelts, helmets, and child safety seats. The campaign was prompted by statistics from 2021 to 2024, which recorded 8,210 passengers in rear seats involved in accidents without adequate restraint systems, leading to 69 deaths and 274 serious injuries.

During the period of September 8 to 14, 2026, the ‘Cinto-me Vivo’ initiative continued its focus on seat belts, child safety seats, and helmets. In the preceding week, between August 31 and September 6, the GNR reported 28 accidents in the Portalegre district, which resulted in seven serious injuries and several arrests for traffic violations, including driving under the influence.