The price of fines for mobile phone use will double, with a penalty of between 250 and 1,250 Euros.
Among the amendments, the increase in the fine for using a mobile phone while driving and the removal of three points from the driving licence, instead of the previous two points, "similar to driving under the influence of alcohol", as well as the inclusion of drivers of uncharacterised vehicles engaged in the paid transport of passengers from an electronic platform (TVDE) in the group of drivers subject to the special regime, which considers driving under the influence of alcohol at a rate of 0.20 grams/l or more, should be highlighted.
In a statement, ANSR recalled the obligation for tractors to move with a safety arch upright and in service position, provided they are approved with this structure, as well as the use of the belt and other safety devices with which the vehicles are equipped, including "special warning lights" (rotating yellow).
Failure to comply may result in a fine of between 120 and 600 Euros.
The amendments also provide for a ban on parking and staying overnight in motor caravans outside authorised premises.
The GNR, the PSP, the Maritime Police and the municipalities have been given supervisory powers to act outside public roads and protected areas in situations where motor caravans stay outside authorised sites.
It will now be possible to present identification documents to the inspection authorities through the id.gov.pt application.
The new measures also cover electric scooters, which will now be treated as bicycles when they reach a maximum speed of up to 25 kilometres per hour or a continuous maximum power of up to 0.25 kilowatts.
Those reaching speeds above these limits will be subject to fines of EUR 60 to 300 if they ride in disregard of their applicable technical characteristics and driving regime, i.e. they will no longer be allowed to ride on cycle lanes and on footpaths and cycle paths.
The security forces and services and the National Road Safety Authority will now communicate electronically for misdemeanour reporting and statistical recording.
The revision of the Highway Code also makes it possible to concentrate all categories of vehicles on the driving licence, making it possible to eliminate licences to drive tractors and agricultural or forestry machinery on the public highway, and to dispense with the need to draw up administrative records for drivers of vehicles on urgent rescue or public interest missions.
Under the new measures, drivers will be able to retrieve driving licences which they have left behind by taking test or training tests.
The amendments cover four complementary pieces of legislation to the Highway Code, namely the Regulation on Driving Licenses and the decree law establishing the individual registration of drivers.