I received a speeding or traffic fine — including one from another EU country — what can I do?
Check three things: is it real (fines come by post from the authority, never by SMS asking for card details), were you the driver (in most countries the keeper must name the driver or pay), and the deadline to pay at the reduced rate or to object. Objections go to the issuing authority — ANSR — Autoridade Nacional de Segurança Rodoviária (211 156 600) for Portugal. A fine from another EU country is real and enforceable across borders for the main offences; you can still object in that country, usually in its language or English. IMT — Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (211 158 500) confirms whether a vehicle query came from a foreign authority; Segurança Social — apoio judiciário / Ordem dos Advogados (seg-social.pt) advises on a licence at risk.
🗣️ What to say
"I object to fine [number] of [date] concerning vehicle [plate]. [I was not the driver: the driver was …] / [The measurement is contested because …] / [The notice was served after the legal deadline]. Please send the evidence (photo, calibration certificate) and suspend enforcement until you decide."
🪜 Step by step
- Real or scam?Official fines cite a law, an offence code and an account; scams want a card link. Verify on the authority's portal.
- Driver or keeper?If someone else drove, name them in the deadline; refusing can itself be an offence in some countries.
- Ask for the evidencePhoto, device, calibration. It is your right and sometimes ends the case.
- Object to ANSR — Autoridade Nacional de Segurança RodoviáriaWithin the deadline, in writing. Foreign fine: to the foreign authority, with the same rights.
- Points and licence: Segurança Social — apoio judiciário / Ordem dos AdvogadosIf the fine carries points or a ban, legal advice is worth it before you accept.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
Can a foreign fine be enforced at home?
For speeding, red lights, drink-driving, phone use, seatbelt and a few more: yes, through the EU cross-border directive. Ignoring it does not make it go away.
A rental company charged me an admin fee
They can pass on the fine and a reasonable fee if the contract says so; dispute an unreasonable fee with the consumer body.
Do foreign points count?
Points stay in the country that issued them; a ban imposed abroad applies there. Serious offences can be reported home.
📎 Sources
- ANSR — Autoridade Nacional de Segurança Rodoviária →
- IMT — Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes →
- Segurança Social — apoio judiciário / Ordem dos Advogados →
- Balcão do Arrendatário e do Senhorio (BAS) →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “speeding fine from abroad Portugal”
- “contest traffic fine Portugal”
- “traffic fine sms scam”
- “speed camera fine object evidence”
- “name the driver fine keeper”
🧭 Is this still correct?
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