The Via de Cintura Interna (VCI) in Porto will have new circulation rules for heavy vehicles starting September 15. The restrictions apply on weekdays, between 07:00 and 21:00, for 14 hours per day, under Decree-Law No. 155-A/2026. The objective is to remove part of the through traffic from the city center and reduce the pressure on this main road of the Metropolitan Area of Porto.
The heavy goods vehicles affected are those with a gross weight exceeding 3,500 kilograms, three or more axles, and a height equal to or greater than 1.1 meters on the first axle. These vehicles will be redirected to the Circular Regional Exterior do Porto (CREP/A41), where they will be exempt from tolls, taking advantage of the available capacity on this alternative route.
There is an exception for vehicles that need to carry out loading or unloading operations in the municipalities of Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia. In this case, prior authorization for each trip is required, obtained through a municipal digital platform, with the completion of a form and the presentation of the transport document that proves the operation.
Enforcement will be the responsibility of the PSP and GNR, who will have real-time access to the platform data to verify whether vehicles are authorized to circulate on the VCI. Non-compliance constitutes a traffic offense and may result in a fine under the Road Code. The new rules will subsequently be evaluated regarding their impact on traffic flow, accident rates, and mobility in the region.
