British tourists could be slapped with fines of up to €15,000 (roughly £13,000) if they are found to be transporting “dangerous goods” inappropriately. Police in Portugal are cracking down on motorists who fail to follow the rules when carrying certain flammable products in their cars.
The list of potentially dangerous items includes anything from a jerrycan of petrol in the boot to a camping gas bottle, tins of paint or solvent, or other flammable/toxic products. Under Portugal’s transport laws (Decreto-Lei 41-A/2010 and the Código da Estrada), drivers could face fines of between €1,500 and €15,000 for any infringement of rules. Authorities in the country consider as hazardous any load that poses a risk to health, road safety or the environment during transportation.
Many day-to-day items are covered by this definition and include: fuel in cans, propane/butane cylinders for barbecues or camper vans, paints and thinners, strong cleaning agents, some pesticides and other flammable or toxic materials.
Even lithium batteries that are commonly used in e-bikes and scooters, as well as aerosols, may be considered hazardous – depending on size and chemistry.
Police will take into account the quantity being transported, its packing and whether the container is approved. Hazardous materials are expected to be transported according to the rules by both lorry and car drivers without exception.
A loose gas bottle rolling around the boot, a dented metal can of petrol or a half-open tin of solvent in a hot car will all be seen as infringements of the rules and could lead to fines.
For minor breaches – such as an unapproved container or poor securing – motorists can expect to be issued with fines from €1,500. More serious infringements – such as bigger quantities, multiple failures, or repeat offences – can lead to penalties of €15,000.
Authorities can also impound a car and suspend a driving licence in extreme cases.
Both the police and National Guard view badly transported fuel and gases as a potential cause of fires, particularly in the hot and dry summer periods.
Many motorists may be tempted to carry a supply of spare fuel in case of emergencies and fill up a jerry can with petrol. But to do so, they must ensure that the can is homologated, upright, ventilated and firmly strapped.