Inspection, IUC and motorcycle insurance: what is compulsory

In Portugal, motorcycles do not have periodic inspections. It was due for 2024, was postponed twice and was finally repealed in March 2025. There is still an inspection when a modification to the motorcycle is approved.

• Amounts for motorcycles registered after 1996. Those from 1992 to 1996 pay less, and those from before 1992 pay nothing.
• The person registered as the owner pays, on the Portal das Finanças (the tax portal). Until the end of 2026, in the month of the registration anniversary.
• From 2027 the IUC moves to the calendar year: one payment a year for all your vehicles, in April. In 2027, anyone paying up to €500 pays in October.
• Motorcycles over 30 years old, of historic interest and with limited use, can be exempt.

In Portugal, riding a motorcycle without insurance means a fine of €500 to €2,500, and the motorcycle can be seized. The insurance windscreen sticker is no longer compulsory, and the certificate can be shown digitally.

• The Cartão de Cidadão (the Portuguese ID card), or another identity document.
• The driving licence.
• The insurance certificate, on paper or digital.
• The Documento Único Automóvel (the registration document), or the old registration booklet and title.

The Cartão de Cidadão, the licence and the DUA can be on the id.gov.pt app, with the same value as the originals. Without the documents, the fine is €60 to €300, and if the police cannot check them on the spot you have 5 days to present them.