No, riding in the back of an open truck is illegal in Portugal under the Código da Estrada (Road Traffic Code), with exceptions only for agricultural or emergency vehicles under strict conditions. The Autoridade Nacional de Segurança Rodoviária (ANSR) enforces this, aligning with EU safety directives. Violations risk fines up to €2,500 and vehicle impoundment.
Key Regulations for Riding in the Back of a Truck in Portugal
- Passenger Transport Prohibition: Article 112 of the Código da Estrada explicitly bans individuals from riding in unenclosed truck beds unless authorized for agricultural, forestry, or emergency operations (Decreto-Lei n.º 138/2012).
- Vehicle Modifications: Trucks must comply with Regulamento (UE) 2018/858 for roadworthiness, requiring enclosed cargo areas or approved seating with safety restraints for passengers.
- Local Enforcement: Municipal police (GNR and PSP) and ANSR conduct periodic roadside checks, particularly in urban areas like Lisbon and Porto, where violations are common.
Recent amendments (2026 draft proposals) aim to harmonize with EU mobility regulations, introducing stricter penalties for repeat offenders and mandatory driver training for commercial vehicle operators transporting workers. Non-compliance may trigger additional sanctions under the Lei da Condução sob Influência framework.