Toll-free guarantee continues for Algarve motorway
Revamped Road Rules in Portugal:
Chill out, travelers, as the Portuguese road system's got your back! The company handling Portuguese roadways, Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP), has some exciting news for you. While the A22 is toll-free since January 1st, you can still use the 'easytoll' system, a nifty way for foreign-registered vehicles to pay tolls on other motorways in the country automatically.
The recent rumors swirling around the interwebs about clusters of toll machines operating near the A22 system were put to rest by IP, who confirmed there's no toll charge on the Via do Infante (A22) since the stated date. The social media buzz at Easterwas about vehicles near toll machines, leading to questions from the PS parliamentary group about an alleged "undue toll charge on the Via do Infante."
Faro's elected deputies pointed out that operation of the machines continued, with hundreds of Spanish drivers reportedly stopping to pay tolls on the Guadiana International Bridge for the A22.
To set the record straight, IP announced that tolls are nonexistent on the A22 and its entire length as of January 1, 2025. The company also shared that the implementation of Law No. 37/2024, enacted on August 7, put an end to the toll payments on certain sections and subsections of motorways in the Interior, on former Free-of-Charge Motorways (SCUT), and on roads where there are no quality or safe alternatives.
Among the motorways affected by the toll elimination are A22, A4 (Transmontana Subconcession and Marão Tunnel), A13, A13-1 (Pinhal Interior Subconcession), A23, A24, A25, A28 (sections between Esposende and Antas and between Neiva and Darque), and the Beiras Litoral and Alta Concession.
Although tolls have been scrapped for these roads, charges remain on others, which is why the 'easytoll' system stays operational and proves an excellent choice for drivers of foreign-registered vehicles without onboard equipment, enabling electronic toll payment across the entire Portuguese highway network.
These fixed points for joining 'easytoll', located next to the border, remain operational. Users can join 'easytoll' not only for toll-free roads but also for roads where tolls are still charged. Just remember, joining 'easytoll' doesn't imply charges for the initial joining process; it simply means that electronic toll collection for designated roads will be handled automatically.
So, don't sweat tolls on Portuguese motorways, and enjoy hassle-free, cashless driving! For the most comprehensive information about the 'easytoll' system and other traveling tips, make sure to check the official Portuguese transportation or toll service websites.
As for other electronic toll collection options in Portugal, the ViaVerde system is prevalent on most toll roads, and using a device or service like tolltickets Iberia eases cashless toll payments on these roads. Just remember to register or purchase a toll box to make the most of these convenient systems and steer clear of potential fines for unpaid tolls.
In Algarve, Portugal, foreign-registered vehicle drivers can take advantage of the 'easytoll' system to pay tolls on motorways automatically, especially on the A22 and other motorways affected by the toll elimination. Despite the elimination of tolls on certain sections and subsections of motorways, charges still remain on others, making the 'easytoll' system a practical choice for easy, cashless driving across Portugal.
