GNR fines in Portugal

[Canalsman]

This is a topic not raised for some time so a reminder is perhaps advisable.

I intended to spend a night in a car park in Santa Luzia near Tavira recently. From last year I recalled it was full of motorhomes so I had to park on the road nearby.

This time the car park was almost empty, just two 'vans. I parked and later checked reports on a well known app. There were four reports in January of GNR summarily issuing 120€ fines.

These fines are issued for overnight parking in national parks excepting explicitly signed areas.

It seems draconian issuing a fine in town when parked in a scruffy car park but the GNR were probably entitled so to do.

I moved and parked on a nondescript side road in Tavira for the night...

 

[Topmast]

Portugal has some very good points but it is a country of fines.Having lived here for the last fifteen years it still amazes me how often you can get fined for the most ridiculous reason.!However the weather does compensate.

 

[jackharlow]

It's surprising how strict the enforcement has become, especially in places that were previously motorhome-friendly. While it's understandable to protect national parks, issuing fines in a regular town car park seems excessive. Were there any clear signs prohibiting overnight parking, or is this just an unwritten rule now? For anyone planning to travel through Portugal, it seems wise to double-check local regulations before stopping for the night!

 

[Canalsman]

It's surprising how strict the enforcement has become, especially in places that were previously motorhome-friendly. While it's understandable to protect national parks, issuing fines in a regular town car park seems excessive. Were there any clear signs prohibiting overnight parking, or is this just an unwritten rule now? For anyone planning to travel through Portugal, it seems wise to double-check local regulations before stopping for the night!

There were no signs.

Seek local advice or check reviews seems to be the way to go.

 

[redhand]

I was there today. GNR called and explained very politely we were allowed to stay during day but if there between 2200 and 0700 fines would be issued.
Don't blame them or the Portuguese their country has been defiled for decades by inconsiderate idiots in MHs

 

[Winterskp]

You might care to consult the Camping car Portugal website!

As Regras de Ouro

CampingCar Portugal - O Portal Português de Autocaravanismo

campingcarportugal.com

It covers most of the bases, and has lots of detail on places to stop safely. A previous reading explained that it was legal to stay on a designated car park (P sign) for up to 48 hours, as long as there were no signs prohibiting caravans/motorhomes. Nothing should appear outside the van's footprint . . . no step, doormat, chair, even top-hinged window open!

Of course, it may be tolerated especially in winter, but you can't rely on that, and can't really complain if the GNR decide to act without warning.