No, leaving a car running unattended is illegal in Portugal under the Código da Estrada (Road Traffic Code), punishable by fines up to €120. Municipalities like Lisbon and Porto enforce stricter controls, while the 2026 Plano Nacional de Segurança Rodoviária introduces AI-powered surveillance to detect violations. Exceptions exist only for brief stops in emergencies or when the engine powers essential systems (e.g., heating in extreme cold).
Key Regulations for Leaving Your Car Running Unattended in Portugal
- Article 29(3) of the Código da Estrada prohibits leaving a vehicle running without a driver present, except in cases of immediate necessity (e.g., refueling or medical emergencies).
- Local ordinances in high-risk areas (e.g., Lisbon’s Zonas de Estacionamento Condicionado) impose additional penalties, including vehicle immobilization by municipal authorities.
- 2026 compliance shifts mandate that insurers may deny claims for accidents caused by unattended running vehicles, aligning with EU road safety directives.