Driving after drugs in Portugal (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Driving under the influence of psychotropic substances is prohibited, and a positive confirmation blood test for a listed substance shows influence without a numeric limit. The administrative fine is EUR 500 to EUR 2,500, and driving unsafely because of drugs is a crime.

RuleWhat applies
Approach to cannabis (THC)Driving a car after drug useAny use is an offence [1]
THC thresholdDriving a car after drug useNo numeric limit stated: the blood confirmation test is positive if it shows the presence of any listed psychotropic substance (cannabinoids, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines and derivatives are specially assessed) [2]
Prescribed medicinesDriving a car after drug use⚠ Not yet verified
Police screening testDriving a car after drug useYes [2]
Main sanctionsDriving a car after drug useAdministrative fine of EUR 500 to EUR 2,500 for driving under the influence of psychotropic substances. If the driver is not in a condition to drive safely because of drugs, a criminal offence: up to 1 year in prison or a fine of up to 120 days. [3]

Notes

  • Lei 18/2007 article 12(5) allows a driver to be declared influenced only after a positive confirmation exam, or by a doctor's report where blood cannot be taken (article 13). Whether the technical regulation sets any other cut-off in its annexes was not read; the annexes were not on the page read.
  • Urine screening uses cut-off concentrations set in the annexes of Portaria 902-B/2007; these annexes were not read.
  • No provision was read on prescribed medicines.
  • Fines under article 81(6)(b) of the Highway Code; the criminal offence is in Penal Code article 292(2). Other consequences, such as a driving ban, were not read.

Sources

  1. Procuradoria-Geral Distrital de Lisboa (consolidated text of the law): Portaria n.º 902-B/2007, de 13 de Agosto – regulamentação dos exames de rastreio e confirmação de álcool e substâncias psicotrópicas (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Procuradoria-Geral Distrital de Lisboa (consolidated text of the law): Lei n.º 18/2007, de 17 de Maio – Regulamento de Fiscalização da Condução sob Influência do Álcool ou de Substâncias Psicotrópicas (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Procuradoria-Geral Distrital de Lisboa (consolidated text of the law): DL n.º 114/94, de 03 de Maio – Código da Estrada (versão actualizada), artigo 81.º (Condução sob influência de álcool ou de substâncias psicotrópicas) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.