Portugal launches penalty point system

Portugal’s long-awaited penalty points system for offences including speeding and drink driving took effect on 1 June. The “Carta de Condução por Pontos” will see drivers issued with 12 points by default, with between two and six points taken away every time an infraction is logged.
 

Drivers with only four points left will need to take additional road safety training, while those with two will have to retake the driving theoretical test.  Loss of all points will result in a two-year driving ban, after which drivers will have to retake the relevant driving exams. Drivers who avoid infractions for three years will be rewarded with three points. A government web portal enables any driver to check their current point status immediately online.

Studies have shown the effectiveness of demerit point systems in reducing death and serious injury on European roads. A report on the impact of Spain’s penalty point system attributed an 11% reduction in serious injury or death collisions involving male drivers. Research into the effects of the Italian and Irish penalty points systems found even greater benefits.

This time last year, Luxembourg toughened its own penalty points system, increasing the number of points taken away for speeding and drink- and drug-driving.

Source: ETSC