I got a traffic fine
Pay, contest or ask for instalments: what to do with a traffic fine and who to contact.
All paths
For those who prefer to read everything at once.
Pay the fine voluntarily
Who to contact: ANSR
What to do
- Pay the fine within 15 working days of being notified of the offence record. Official source ↗
- Payment follows the instructions in the offence record. Official source ↗
- For serious or very serious offences the case continues only to decide the driving ban. Official source ↗
What to prepare
- Have the offence record number ready; it is in the top right of the notice. Official source ↗
- You can check your cases on the Offences Portal. Official source ↗
Deadlines and timing
- After the 15 working days and until the decision you can still pay, but court costs are due. Official source ↗
Costs
- If you do not pay on time, the court costs are at least €52.50. Official source ↗
Contest the fine (file a defence)
Who to contact: ANSR
What to do
- You can file a defence within 15 working days of the notification, for example with form F305. Official source ↗
- The defence is addressed to the ANSR President and submitted in writing, in Portuguese. Official source ↗
- You can submit it through the Road Offences Portal. Official source ↗
- Set out all arguments and attach or request all evidence in the defence; there is no hearing of the accused. Official source ↗
What to prepare
- State the offence record number. Official source ↗
- Include the facts, reasoning and request, and sign. Official source ↗
- You do not have to hire a lawyer to file a defence. Official source ↗
Deadlines and timing
- The deadline for the defence is 15 working days from notification of the record. Official source ↗
Costs
- Court costs are due if the defence is rejected. Official source ↗
Pay the fine in instalments
Who to contact: ANSR
What to do
- Ask to pay in instalments with form F303, at any stage until the case is sent to court for enforcement. Official source ↗
- The deadline to pay the fine cannot be extended. Official source ↗
What to prepare
- Conditions: initial fine of at least €210, instalments of at least €50 and a maximum of 12 months. Official source ↗
Deadlines and timing
- If you miss an instalment the plan is cancelled and the full amount owed is demanded. Official source ↗
Parking fine
Who to contact: ANSR
What to do
- Minor illegal or abusive parking offences are handled by the municipality where they happened. Official source ↗
- Questions about these cases go to the municipality, not to ANSR. Official source ↗
- Service for these offences is provided by the municipal councils. Official source ↗
What to prepare
- These fines do not appear on the ANSR Offences Portal. Official source ↗
Suspicious message demanding a fine
Who to contact: ANSR
What to do
- ANSR never sends offence notices by email, text or other digital means. Do not pay through that message. Official source ↗
- Genuine notices are given in person, by registered letter with return receipt or by ordinary letter to your tax address. Official source ↗
- Check for fines on the Offences Portal using your Citizen Card or Digital Mobile Key. Official source ↗
What to prepare
- You can contact ANSR at [email protected]. Official source ↗
See also
Last checked: 6 November 2026