The upcoming year will bring changes for some drivers on national roads, as toll exemptions have been approved by the Assembleia da República (AR). What exact changes will occur? The modifications target the A2, A6, A8, A19, A25, and A41-CREP.

Despite cautionary notes and requests for restraint from the government, the Parliament has endorsed several toll exemptions against the Executive’s wishes, through a negative coalition.

The Prime Minister remarked that the proposed Government Budget for 2026 (OE2026) was not undermined by changes in Parliament, yet the PS and Chega breached the political principle that decision-making rests with the PSD/CDS-PP Government.

Speaking to journalists in Parliament after the debate and final overall approval of the State Budget proposal for 2026, Luís Montenegro estimated the financial impact of the Parliament-approved measures, against the PSD and CDS-PP will, at around 100 million euros.

Which tolls will be eliminated in 2026?

• A25 – The A25 will see toll exemptions “throughout” its entirety, as stipulated in the term approved during the OE2026 specialty voting. While certain sections of the A25 are already toll-free, “a small segment still charges tolls, and it is proposed to rectify this inconsistency by eliminating tolls entirely on the A25 highway.”
• A6 and A2  – Exemptions apply only to individuals residing in or companies headquartered within certain “influence areas” of these highways, covering sections of the A6 between the A2/A6/A13 interchange and Caia, as well as on the A2 between the A2/A6/A13 interchange and Almodôvar.
• A41, A19, and A8 – Parliament approved a PS amendment proposal to the OE2026, exempting heavy vehicles from tolls on the Circular Regional Exterior do Porto (A41) and parts of the A19 and A8, in the Leiria region.

The impact of the exemptions

According to the Unidade Técnica de Apoio Orçamental (UTAO), the approval of exemptions on the A6 and A2 will result, in 2026, “in an annual toll revenue loss” of 23.8 million euros, of which 4.5 million refers to VAT.

However, “considering the time required to regulate the terms defined in the amendment proposal (approximately 90 days), the estimated impact for 2026 (April to December), at current prices, is 17.9 million euros, including 3.3 million euros in VAT revenue.”

From 2027 onward, “the budgetary impact is expected to intensify, both because 2026 is a transition year and due to the annual toll updates and anticipated demand growth until stabilization,” anticipates the UTAO.

The Assembleia da República has approved various toll exemptions, including covering the entire A25 Costa da Prata and Beiras Litoral e Alta, as well as sections of the A6 and A2 in the Alentejo. Heavy vehicles will be exempt from tolls on the Circular Regional Exterior do Porto (A41) and certain parts of the A19 and A8 in the Leiria region.

Beatriz Vasconcelos with Lusa | 08:25 – 27/11/2025