Understanding Vehicle Classifications on Portuguese Toll Roads

If you're planning to drive in Portugal, it’s important to understand how tolls are calculated. Portugal uses an electronic tolling system that categorises vehicles based on specific criteria, and your toll charge will depend on your vehicle’s classification. This guide will help you understand the different vehicle classes used on Portuguese motorways, so you can travel confidently and avoid surprises at the toll booth.

 

Vehicle Classification in Portugal: The Basics

Portuguese toll roads classify vehicles into five main classes (Class 1 to Class 5). The classification is determined by:

• Number of axles (wheels in a line on the same side of the vehicle)
• Height of the vehicle at the front axle

 

Here’s a breakdown of the five classes:

Class 1 – Light Vehicles

• Vehicles with 2 axles
• Height at the front axle of less than 1.10 metres
• This class includes most passenger cars, small vans, and motorbikes.
• Light vehicles can also tow a trailer or caravan with no impact on classification.

 

Class 2 – Medium Vehicles

• Vehicles with 2 axles
• Height at the front axle of 1.10 metres or more
• Typically includes SUVs, larger vans, and smaller campervans.
• Even though these vehicles only have two axles, their increased height pushes them into Class 2.
• If towing a trailer or caravan the number of axels on this will also be included in classification calculations. This will move you into class 3 or class 4.

 

Class 3 – Heavy Vehicles with 3 Axles

• Vehicles with 3 axles, regardless of height.
• Usually larger commercial vehicles, trucks, and some large campervans fall into this category.
• If towing a trailer or caravan the number of axels on this will also be included in classification calculations. This will move you into class 4.

 

Class 4 – Heavy Vehicles with 4 or More Axles

• Vehicles with 4 or more axles, again regardless of height.
• These are generally HGVs (heavy goods vehicles), large transporters, or articulated lorries.

 

Class 5 – Motorcycles

• This is a special category for motorcycles, which benefit from reduced toll fees.
• Riders must have an active electronic toll tag to be recognised as Class 5.
• Without the tag, motorcycles may be charged as Class 1.

 

 

Using Your Emovis Tag in Portugal

As a UK-based driver, using an Emovis toll tag makes driving on Portuguese motorways much smoother:

• Automatically pays tolls
• Works on both traditional tolls and electronic-only (free flow) motorways
• Eliminates the need to stop or queue at toll booths
• Ensures accurate classification and avoids mischarges

Tip: Make sure your vehicle details, including your registration plate, are correctly registered when you sign up for a toll tag.

 

Understanding vehicle classes is key to budgeting for your road trip and avoiding surprises. If you're heading to Portugal by car this year, consider equipping your vehicle in advance.

Order your Emovis Tags today and enjoy stress-free driving across Portugal and Spain.