# VCI heavy vehicle restrictions in Porto

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vci-heavy-vehicle-restrictions-in-porto
> Updated: 2026-09-15T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2.

The heavy goods vehicle (HGV) restrictions on the Via de Cintura Interna (VCI) officially entered into force on Tuesday, September 15. The measure prohibits vehicles exceeding 3,500 kg, having three or more axles, and a height of at least 1.1 meters from using the artery on weekdays between 07:00 and 21:00.

To facilitate the transition, drivers performing loading or unloading operations in Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia may utilize an exception by registering trips in advance via the dedicated digital platform (vci.porto.pt) and carrying the required authorization. Enforcement of these rules is being conducted by the PSP and GNR. As a diversionary route, the Circular Regional Exterior do Porto (CREP/A41) remains exempt from tolls.

While transport associations previously warned of potential technical failures with the registration platform, Porto Mayor Pedro Duarte noted that although the measure may not fully resolve all traffic issues, it could serve as a “turning point for regional mobility.” Logistics companies continue to monitor the impact of the ban on fuel consumption, mileage, and regional supply chains.

## Claims

- The prohibition on the VCI applies on weekdays between 07:00 and 21:00. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The restriction targets heavy goods vehicles with a gross weight over 3,500 kg, three or more axles, and a height of at least 1.1 meters. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Vehicles traveling to or from Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia for loading or unloading are exempt if they register via a digital platform. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The A41 (CREP) has been toll-free for these heavy vehicles since February. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Infraestruturas de Portugal anticipates the removal of over 4,000 heavy goods vehicles from the VCI. (single source)
- Transport associations warn that the measure causes detours of over 60 km per operation, increasing fuel costs and threatening supply chains. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-15: Porto implements heavy vehicle restrictions on VCI artery

New restrictions on heavy vehicles on Porto's VCI artery have begun, while Portugal's 'Cinto-me Vivo' safety campaign reports seven road deaths and 2,800 accidents over one week.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/porto-vci-traffic-ban-for-heavy-goods-vehicles-begins

### 2026-09-12: VCI heavy vehicle ban threatens to increase costs and bureaucracy

New restrictions on heavy vehicle circulation on the VCI are expected to increase logistics costs and bureaucracy, as the mandatory registration platform for exceptions remains offline.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vci-heavy-vehicle-ban-threatens-to-increase-costs-and-bureaucracy

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Cite as: VCI heavy vehicle restrictions in Porto. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vci-heavy-vehicle-restrictions-in-porto