carta por pontos
Published 3 November 2026, 17:05
carta por pontos (points-based licence)
A system under which every driver has a points balance. You start with 12; serious offences cost between 2 and 6 points, and three years without offences earns you 3 back. The maximum is 15 points. The system has been in force in Portugal since 1 June 2016, and you do not need to replace your licence card when your balance changes.
Where you come across it. A fine for speeding or drink-driving, checking your balance on the traffic offences portal.
Points are deducted not on the day of the offence or the day the letter arrives, but when the decision becomes final, which can be a year later. At 5 or 4 points you must take a course, at 3 or fewer you must retake the theory test, and at zero you lose your licence for two years.
Official website: ansr.pt/contraordenacoes/carta-por-pontos