The Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) recorded 4,179 offences related to mobile phone use while driving in the first three months of the year, highlighting a growing and concerning trend in road safety violations.
In a report released to Lusa, the GNR warned of a continuous increase in this type of infraction, describing the figures as “worrying” and emphasizing that the improper use of electronic devices remains a critical challenge for road safety.
According to the data, 2025 saw the highest number of offences in the past three years, with a total of 18,631 recorded cases—an increase of around 8% compared to 17,281 in 2024. The first quarter of 2025 was particularly severe, with 5,612 infractions registered between January and March.
Although the first quarter of this year shows a 25.5% decrease compared to the same period in 2025, authorities remain concerned about a recent upward trend. In March 2026 alone, 1,688 offences were recorded, representing a 16.5% increase from February and a sharp 61.8% rise compared to January.
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Geographically, the highest number of infractions was recorded in the districts of Porto and Lisbon. Porto registered 3,826 cases in 2024 and 3,522 in 2025, while Lisbon saw 2,257 and 2,453 cases respectively. The district of Aveiro also stood out, surpassing 1,700 recorded offences in 2025.
The GNR stressed that using a mobile phone while driving significantly compromises road safety by causing dangerous distractions. The authority reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening enforcement and awareness campaigns to address the issue.
Drivers are advised to use hands-free systems in compliance with the law, avoid prolonged calls, set GPS routes and playlists before starting their journey, and stop in a safe location if it is necessary to make a call or read a message. Maintaining full attention on the road and other users remains essential.
