Is Studded Tires Legal in Portugal After the 2026 Framework Overhaul?

No, studded tires are prohibited nationwide under Portuguese traffic law, with no regional exceptions. The Direção-Geral de Viação (DGV) enforces this ban year-round due to road surface damage risks. Recent 2026 EU alignment proposals maintain the restriction, citing infrastructure preservation.


Key Regulations for Studded Tires in Portugal

  • National Ban: Article 13 of the Código da Estrada (Decree-Law 114/94) explicitly bans studded tires, classifying them as hazardous to pavement integrity.
  • Penalties: Violations incur fines up to €600, with mandatory tire replacement at the owner’s expense under DGV inspections.
  • Seasonal Exemptions: None exist; the prohibition applies irrespective of weather conditions or regional climate variations.