Police authorities may order the person causing neighborhood noise to adopt measures to stop it between 11 PM and 7 AM.
2024/01/04
What is “Neighborhood Noise”?
Regulated by Decree-Law No. 9/2007, neighborhood noise is defined as sound produced by the use of dwellings or associated activities which, due to its duration, repetition, or intensity, disturbs the peace or well-being of others. This includes noise from people, animals, or machinery.
How to Report
- Initial contact: Call your local police station (PSP or GNR).
- Details: You will need to identify yourself, describe the noise, indicate its frequency and duration, and specify the source.
- Police action: The authorities may attend to assess the situation. If the disturbance is confirmed, they will ask the source to reduce the noise.
- Sanctions: If the noise recurs within 24 hours, a fine of €200.00 may be imposed.
Construction Noise
Construction work is only permitted on weekdays between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Weekend work is prohibited.
- Notification: The site manager must display the duration and working hours in a clearly visible area (entrance, elevators).
- Exceptions: Only urgent repairs (water or gas leaks) or specific municipal licences allow work outside these hours.
Legal Consequences
Violations are classified as administrative offences (contraordenações):
Legal entities (companies): Fines from €2,000.00 to €18,000.00.
Individuals: Fines from €200.00 to €2,000.00.
Teresa Martins Lança | [email protected]
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