Euro-Modular lorries will be allowed to run at 72 tonnes and 32 metres

Decreto-Lei n.º 195/2026 (Portuguese decree-law) of 25 September amends the regulation on the maximum weights and dimensions of vehicles on the road (Decreto-Lei n.º 132/2017). Vehicle combinations in the Euro-Modular configuration will be allowed to run at up to 72 tonnes and 32 metres. The stated aim is to align Portugal with the model already adopted in Spain.

Conditions for operating

• A special traffic authorisation from IMT (Portuguese mobility and transport institute), valid for up to two years, for a specific vehicle configuration. It depends on the prior opinion of the managers of the roads used and on third-party liability insurance (Articles 16 and 18).
• Above 60 t, the combination must be longer than 25.25 m and include two category O4 semi-trailers linked by a dolly (Article 16(2)).
• The carriage of dangerous goods is not authorised, except in cases that a future ministerial order may provide for (Article 16(6)).
• Vehicles must have a lane departure warning system, advanced emergency braking and electronic stability control (Article 17).
• Above 25.25 m, running on undivided two-way roads is only allowed in the first and last 25 km of the route, with no overtaking (Articles 18 and 18-A).
• The combination may only use the roads listed in the authorisation, with lights and amber warning beacons switched on (Article 18-A).

When it applies

The decree-law takes effect 180 days after publication, that is, on (Article 4). Hauliers that want to use it have until then to prepare their fleet and routes.