ANSR / PSP / GNR letter explained in English
Road safety authority. Road traffic fines (coimas) are handled by the road safety authority ANSR, after the police (PSP or GNR) or a speed camera record an offence.
Letters you may get
- Auto de contraordenação — a traffic offence notice; pay the minimum fine or defend yourself, usually within 15 working days
- Pedido de identificação do condutor — say who was driving
- Decisão — the final fine and any driving ban
What to do
- If you weren’t driving, identify the driver within the deadline (usually 15 working days).
- Paying the minimum fine voluntarily is usually cheaper, but it can still bring points on your licence.
- Find the deadline. Look for “prazo”, “até”, “data limite”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“reclamação graciosa”, “audiência prévia”, “defesa”, “oposição”, “impugnação”, “recurso”, “reclamação”). See the template.
Words you may see
- coima
- A fine for an administrative offence, for example speeding or a late tax return.
- auto de contraordenação
- An offence notice, for example for speeding or parking.
Questions
What is the ANSR / PSP / GNR?
Road safety authority. Road traffic fines (coimas) are handled by the road safety authority ANSR, after the police (PSP or GNR) or a speed camera record an offence.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the ANSR / PSP / GNR?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “prazo”, “até”, “data limite” — they mark the deadline. In Portugal, a letter sent by registered post is usually treated as received on the third day after it was posted. Check if the deadline is in working days (dias úteis) or in calendar days. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“reclamação graciosa”, “audiência prévia”, “defesa”, “oposição”, “impugnação”, “recurso”, “reclamação”).
Can I read a ANSR / PSP / GNR letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in Portuguese. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in Portugal
Finanças / Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT) · Segurança Social · IEFP (Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional) · AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) · Câmara Municipal / Junta de Freguesia · Tribunal · Agente de execução · Portagens (Via Verde / Infraestruturas de Portugal)