On the road, there are details that seem insignificant but can come out very expensive. They are often classified as light infractions, although the penalty that is associated with them goes far beyond the designation. The legal framework is clear and leaves no room for doubt: Anyone who ignores this obligation risks paying hundreds or even thousands of euros in driving fines.
The case in question is the circulation without enrollment. According to the Club of Portugal (ACP), Portuguese law requires all vehicles to display the plate correctly, with visible characters and within the regulated formats. The failure is treated as a lightweight offense, but the fine may vary between 600 and 3,000 euros.
What the law says, without ambiguities
In Portugal, only enrolled vehicles can circulate. Article 117 of the Road Code establishes the obligation of enrollment and provides for a fine of 600 to 3,000 euros for those who put a vehicle not enrolled in circulation.
In addition, each vehicle enrolled must have plates with the respective number, placed and visible according to the regulation of number and registration plate (DL 54/2005: two plates in the cars; unmovable fixation; not covered).
“No enrollment” is not the same as “no plate”
There are two distinct legal situations:
- Non -enrolled vehicle: Infringement of article 117 (8) → Flat 600–3.000 €.
- NOTE VEHICLE, BUT THE CIRCULATE WITHOUT PLATE (S) OR WITH IRREGULAR PLASS (MODEL/PLACING/VISIBILITY): PUNISHING, AS A RULE, WITH FLY 120–600 € (Article 118, No. 10, AND ARTICLE 18 DL 180/2014, IN THE WRITING OF DL 59/2020).
Immediate seizure of the vehicle
If the vehicle transits without plates or not enrolled, the authorities must apprehend it immediately, pursuant to article 162 of the Road Code. DL 59/2020 confirms the seizure in situations of registration regime failure/plates.
Why high values?
Identification by enrollment is central to inspection and liability in the event of an accident, escape or illicit. The legislator set high frames to discourage circulation without enrollment and to punish those who remove/hide plates in violation of technical and installation rules.
Penalties and values of fines
The seizure of the vehicle occurs immediately whenever it circulates without plates or without enrollment, reflecting the severity of the infraction. Portuguese law leaves no room for doubt and applies immediate measures when the identification of the vehicle does not comply with the legal requirements.
As in the case of unnatural vehicles, fines range from 600 to 3,000 euros. When the vehicle is enrolled, but has an irregular or absent plate, the penalty is between 120 and 600 euros, depending on the specific regime provided for in the road code.
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