July and August bring Operation Summer: stepped-up enforcement by PSP, GNR and ANSR. On peak weekends, police may record thousands of traffic offences — speeding, mobile phone use, alcohol, missing insurance or MOT.
This article summarises the most common summer offences and when challenging a fine may be worthwhile.
Offences that spike in summer
Recent PSP and GNR data highlight:
- Speeding (fixed, mobile or SINCRO cameras);
- Mobile phone use while driving;
- Alcohol above the legal limit;
- Missing periodic inspection (IPO);
- No motor liability insurance;
- Seat belts or child restraints;
- Parking in prohibited zones near beaches and historic centres.
In the Azores, winding roads, tourism and hire cars increase fine risk — especially for drivers unfamiliar with local signage.
I received a fine — what to check?
- Notification — by post or online portal? Note deadlines;
- Driver identification — if you were not driving, you may identify who was (with consequences for them);
- Notice details — plate, location, time, offence type;
- Evidence — for cameras, request access to images where applicable;
- Challenge deadline — typically 15 days plus 5 working days if notified by post (confirm on your notice).
Ignoring the fine does not make it go away: it can lead to penalties, licence points and problems with inspection or renewal.
When is a challenge worth it?
A challenge may make sense where there is, for example:
- Material error — plate, dates, location;
- Doubt about driver identification;
- Formal defects in the notice or record;
- Circumstances supporting an exception (medical emergency, properly evidenced);
- Cameras — calibration, signage, concealment (under applicable case law).
Not every morally "unfair" fine is legally void. A regulatory offences lawyer can assess whether there is a real basis before you invest in proceedings.
New Road Code — what is changing?
The government expects a Road Code review with conclusions in 2026: possibly heavier fines, rules on cameras, alcohol and limitation periods. Fines today are governed by current law.
Hire car: fine arrived after your holiday
Rent-a-car companies may charge fines administratively and add handling fees. Check the contract you signed. If you dispute the fine itself, you may still challenge it with the authorities even if the company paid — but deadlines run from notification to the identified driver.
How we can help
The Luís Resendes law firm handles traffic regulatory offences and road law in São Miguel — challenges, driver identification and appeals. Received a fine this summer? Send us the notice within the deadline, not on the last day.
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