Portugal’s “Zero Tolerance at the Wheel” campaign begins on Tuesday, November 3, and will continue through November 9. The initiative brings together the National Republican Guard (GNR), the Public Security Police (PSP) and the National Road Safety Authority (ANSR) to prevent alcohol-impaired driving.
Five joint awareness and enforcement actions are planned across mainland Portugal. The ANSR will engage with drivers, while the GNR and PSP will conduct the enforcement operations. Regional administration services from the Azores and Madeira will also take part.
According to a PSP statement, the campaign is the eleventh and final initiative scheduled under Portugal’s 2026 National Enforcement Plan.
Figures released by the ANSR underline the reason for the alert. In 2025, alcohol levels above the legal limit were found in 28 out of every 100 road-crash fatalities who underwent autopsies in Portugal. Among those cases, 78% recorded a blood alcohol level at or above the threshold at which driving becomes a criminal offence.
Authorities carried out approximately 2.1 million alcohol tests in mainland Portugal during the same year. For every 100 tests, 1.6 infringements were detected.
The authorities warn that even small amounts of alcohol can reduce attention, delay reactions to danger and impair decision-making. Feeling capable of driving can therefore create a false sense of confidence.
Drivers are advised to plan their journey home before drinking. Recommended alternatives include designating a driver who will not consume alcohol or using public transport, a taxi or another service with a driver. The authorities also advise people not to accept a ride from anyone who has been drinking.
The campaign’s prevention message from the PSP, GNR and ANSR is direct: anyone planning to drive should not drink.
Sources: Pplware.