The behavior is repeated every day on Portuguese roads and, despite being widely known and penalized, it remains far from disappearing, which maintains concerns in terms of road safety and also in drivers’ pockets.
According to data released by GNR and later reproduced by , the misuse of cell phones while driving continues to reveal a persistent reality. Although there are fluctuations and the evolution is not linear, the most recent figures show that the problem is far from disappearing.
The GNR itself highlights that, in some periods, there are signs of worsening, which reinforces the authorities’ warnings.
A habit that continues to cost dearly
Improper use of a cell phone while driving is considered a serious infraction, under articles 84 and 145 of the Traffic Code, which means that it is not just a minor infraction, but behavior with a direct impact on road safety.
In practice, this infraction can result in a fine of between R$250 and R$1,250 and also implies the loss of three points on your driver’s license, as provided for in article 148 of the Brazilian Traffic Code.
Furthermore, as it is a serious infraction, the law provides for the application of an additional sanction of disqualification from driving. Under article 147, this inhibition can vary from one month to one year, although its execution may be suspended in certain cases provided for by law.
Numbers show an irregular trend, but March worsened the situation
In the first three months of 2026, 4,179 infractions were recorded related to the improper use of cell phones while driving, according to GNR data.
This value represents a drop of 25.5% compared to the same period in 2025, but a more detailed analysis shows that the recent trend has not been one of constant relief.
In March alone, 1,688 infractions were detected, a significantly higher number than in previous months. According to GNR, this corresponds to an increase of 16.5% compared to February and 61.8% compared to January.
Lisbon and Porto concentrate more cases
Violations related to cell phone use tend to be concentrated in the districts of Porto and Lisbon. According to the GNR, Porto presented the highest accumulated volume of infractions in 2024 and 2025, with Lisbon following closely behind, with Aveiro also standing out last year.
Authorities emphasize, however, that any distraction at the wheel can be enough to cause an accident, even on short or apparently simple journeys.
A problem that continues to worry
In 2025, 18,631 infractions of this type were recorded, the highest value in the period analyzed by the GNR, which confirms that cell phone use while driving continues to be a relevant problem on Portuguese roads.
This number reinforces the need for more effective awareness measures, but also for continuous monitoring, as the behavior remains entrenched among many drivers.
According to data released by the GNR, the perception of risk is still not enough to stop this practice.
What the law says and how to avoid problems
The Traffic Code prohibits, while the vehicle is in motion, the use or continued handling of any equipment that could impair driving, especially radiotelephone devices. The exception applies to hands-free or speakerphone systems that do not involve continuous handling, in accordance with article 84.
In practice, this means that holding a cell phone, writing messages or making calls without using appropriate systems constitutes an infraction.
The authorities therefore recommend that any use of a cell phone should only be done when the vehicle is safely stopped, or through systems that do not involve taking your hands off the steering wheel or your attention from steering.
In a context where technology is increasingly present in everyday life, the challenge is to ensure that this presence does not compromise security, preventing an apparently simple gesture from resulting in significant legal and financial consequences.
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