Defence guides

Appealing a Portuguese road traffic penalty in court

Once you learn of the administrative decision imposing a road traffic fine, Article 181 of the Highway Code gives you 15 working days to appeal. File the appeal with the authority that imposed the fine.

What to check in your case

The written appeal must set out your grounds and formal conclusions. Specify the findings you dispute, the supporting evidence and the change you seek. An appeal against a road traffic decision imposing a fine or an additional penalty suspends that decision’s enforcement. Asking to inspect the file at this stage does not stop the appeal deadline. For licence revocation, check the specific procedure in the notice.

Documents for your defence

Full notice or decision, front and back, and evidence of the date of service.

  • Full decision, including reasons and appeal instructions
  • Proof of service of the decision and initial notice
  • Prior defence and evidence admitted or refused

Legislation and official sources

Information checked on 7 November 2026.