Portugal's road deaths climb as 19,000 crashes expose inspection failures
Portugal's Public Security Police (PSP) has fined 9,077 drivers this year for failing to undergo mandatory vehicle inspections, following 6,777 enforcement operations that checked 231,501 motorists, the force announced on Monday.
"In addition to violations related to overdue mandatory inspections, the PSP has detected 72,979 road infractions and 4,153 road-related crimes since the beginning of the year," the police said in a statement.
According to the PSP, the figures—still provisional—reflect intensified prevention and enforcement efforts nationwide and reveal "a worrying trend."
Driving without a valid periodic inspection not only carries fines ranging from €250 to €1,250 but also poses "an increased risk to road safety," the PSP warned. Vehicles in poor technical condition may suffer "serious failures" in braking, steering, lighting, or tire systems, contributing to accidents with severe or fatal consequences.
This year alone, Portugal has recorded 19,018 road accidents, resulting in 30 deaths, 253 serious injuries, and 5,267 minor injuries.
Fatal crashes occurred in the districts of Braga (one victim), Coimbra (five), Lisbon (13), Porto (three), Santarém (two), and Setúbal (two), as well as in the Autonomous Regions of the Azores (one) and Madeira (three).
The PSP reminded drivers that inspections can be carried out up to three months before the deadline listed on the vehicle registration certificate and advised scheduling appointments in advance at authorized centers.
It also recommended checking vehicles before inspections to ensure tires, brakes, suspension, and lighting systems are in proper working order.
For long trips, the PSP advised taking breaks every two hours. Other safety tips included avoiding mobile phone use while driving, obeying speed limits, and adjusting driving to weather conditions and road surfaces.
