Portugal’s Public Security Police (PSP) reportedly fined motorists who honked in support of the Acampada pelo Direito à Habitação, a housing-rights protest taking place in Lisbon. The incident occurred on Sunday night, November 1, in Rossio Square, where demonstrators had gathered.
According to reports cited by the protest camp, traffic police stopped two drivers who sounded their horns while passing the demonstration. The motorists were reportedly told that they had committed an offence under Portugal’s Highway Code and received fines of €60.
The police action prompted criticism from protesters, who argued that the drivers were expressing solidarity with the housing campaign. A legal expert present at the scene also questioned the intervention, describing the honking as a form of protest. The episode reportedly encouraged other drivers to sound their horns repeatedly, increasing tensions in the square.
The use of horns is regulated by Article 22 of Portugal’s Highway Code. Sound signals must be brief and are generally restricted to situations established by law, particularly warning other road users of an imminent danger. Outside built-up areas, the law also provides specific cases in which a horn may be used, such as indicating an intention to overtake or warning of dangers in areas with limited visibility.
Improper use of sound signals can lead to a fine ranging from €60 to €300.
Sources: Pplware.