Drivers have not got the message about mobile phone use while on the go, an average of 115-a-day have been stopped and fined by traffic police, so far this year.
Despite all the warnings and grim statistics regarding the increased chance of an accident, Portuguese drivers continue to break the law.
In addition to making and answering calls, and sending SMS messages, drivers have been caught watching YouTube while driving.
According to highly disturbing data from the GNR and Public Security Police, the number of people stopped and fined already has surpassed the average for last year.
Between January 1 and September 15, 2018, GNR road patrols handed out 16,640 fines to drivers for using the phone while driving. The PSP handed out a further 12,427 fines.
Jorge Jacob, president of the National Highway Safety Authority said that it is increasingly difficult to catch drivers who commit such infractions because "mobile devices are interconnected with the vehicle's own system" but the afpop, ‘Driving in Portugal’ handbook, sponsored by Medal Insurance, states that ‘it is forbidden for drivers to use a mobile phone when driving, except if it is a hands-free set.’
Euroadlegal.co.uk suggests, 'Don’t use your mobile, even if you have a hands-free kit. Reportedly, Portugal also has a ban on the use of hands-free kits in cars,' while expatica.com advises, 'It’s illegal to use a mobile phone unless you have a hands-free system. Wearing headphones while driving in also illegal.'
While this grey area continues to bemuse, it is best not to use phones while driving along Portugal's roads: pull over, take a break, have a coffee and call back.
