Recebi uma contraordenação. O que devo fazer?

Deve verificar a data da notificação, o prazo para defesa, os factos imputados e os documentos recebidos. Antes de pagar ou responder, é recomendável analisar se existem fundamentos para apresentar defesa ou impugnar a decisão.

Pagar a coima significa aceitar a contraordenação?

O pagamento pode ter efeitos relevantes no processo e deve ser avaliado com cuidado. Em alguns casos, o pagamento voluntário não impede a discussão de determinadas questões, mas a estratégia depende da fase do processo e da infração em causa.

Posso ficar sem carta de condução?

Sim. Algumas infrações podem implicar sanção acessória de inibição de conduzir, perda de pontos ou outras consequências. A gravidade da infração e o histórico do condutor podem influenciar a decisão.

É possível contestar uma multa de trânsito?

Sim. Quando existam fundamentos, pode ser apresentada defesa escrita ou impugnação judicial, nomeadamente por erro nos factos, falta de prova, irregularidades no auto ou desproporção da sanção aplicada.

Traffic Offences and the Highway Code

Legal support in road traffic offences, fines and matters relating to the Highway Code

Road traffic offences can have significant consequences, including fines, points being deducted from your driving licence, driving bans or other ancillary penalties. A timely review of the offence notice and the applicable deadlines is essential to assess the possibility of a defence. We assist with reviewing the notice, checking the facts alleged, preparing the written defence, challenging the matter before the court and following the case before the competent authorities or the court. Our approach is focused on protecting the client’s rights and ensuring an appropriate response to the specific case.

Book a consultation

Areas of Practice

We act in a range of situations involving traffic offences, fines and breaches of the Highway Code, assessing the available defences.

Legal support at every stage

We support the client from receipt of the notice through to the submission of a defence, challenge or representation in court, where necessary.

Review of the offence notice

We check the notice, the facts alleged, the deadlines, the evidence and any relevant irregularities.

Preparation of the written defence

We prepare the response to the competent authority, setting out the arguments and documents appropriate to the specific case.

Challenging decisions

Where there are grounds to do so, we assess the possibility of challenging the administrative decision and using the legal remedies available.

Protection of the driving licence

We assess the impact of the offence on your driving licence, in particular in relation to ancillary penalties, points and driving disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

We clarify some of the most frequently asked questions about road traffic offences, fines, ancillary penalties and defence under the Portuguese Highway Code.

I have received a traffic offence notice. What should I do?

You should check the date of service, the deadline for a defence, the alleged facts and any documents received. Before paying or replying, it is advisable to assess whether there are grounds to submit a defence or challenge the decision.

Does paying the fine mean accepting the offence?

Payment can have significant effects on the proceedings and should be considered carefully. In some cases, voluntary payment does not prevent certain issues from being disputed, but the strategy depends on the stage of the case and the offence in question.

Can I lose my driving licence?

Yes. Some offences may entail an ancillary driving disqualification, loss of points or other consequences. The seriousness of the offence and the driver’s history may influence the decision.

Is it possible to challenge a traffic fine?

Yes. Where there are grounds, a written defence or judicial challenge may be submitted, namely on the basis of errors in the facts, lack of evidence, irregularities in the report or the disproportionality of the sanction imposed.

Book your legal consultation

Tell us about your situation. Our team will review your request with rigour, confidentiality and attention to detail.

Book a consultation

Civil Law

Family Law

Criminal Law

Employment Law

Real Estate Law

Commercial and Corporate Law

Administrative and Public Law

Succession Law

Immigration and Nationality

Tax Law