Many drivers in Portugal maintain the habit of driving in the middle lane of motorways, even when they are not overtaking other vehicles. However, this behavior can result in large fines and even the temporary loss of your driver’s license.
According to the Brazilian Traffic Code, on three-lane roads, drivers must travel on the right, except when overtaking, changing direction or avoiding an obstacle. Angela Fonseca, specialist in traffic legislation, highlights that “the standard aims not only to better organize traffic, but also to ensure the safety of all road users, preventing overtaking on the right, which is dangerous.”
Anyone who persists in driving in the middle lane, without justification, commits a very serious infraction. In this case, the fine can vary from 60 to 300 euros, depending on the circumstances and repeat offenses. But there’s more: anyone who violates this rule can also be without their driver’s license for a period of between two months and two years and lose four points on their license.
This behavior is often interpreted as a practice of defensive driving, but, according to the National Road Safety Authority, data indicates that unnecessary occupation of the central road contributes to an increase in traffic conflicts and can lead to risky overtaking on the right. Therefore, it is recommended that drivers always follow the rightmost lane, unless they are performing a maneuver permitted by law.
To avoid these sanctions, it is worth remembering that driving more prudently and following the rules can reduce the risk of fines and contribute to more harmonious and safe circulation on Portuguese highways.
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