Pedro Barosa explains: speaking loudly on the phone in public may lead to a fine
Regarding a fine imposed in France on a citizen for speaking loudly on the phone in a train station, Pedro Barosa, partner and co-coordinator of the Criminal, Sanctions, and Compliance practice area at Abreu Advogados, commented to Executive Digest on how Portuguese legislation also provides for sanctions for such behavior in public spaces.
In Portugal, Article 7 of Decree-Law No. 9/2015 explicitly prohibits passengers from using noisy devices or making noise that disturbs other public transport users. “The authorities’ action can be immediate and does not depend on any formal complaint,” emphasizes Pedro Barosa.
Operators are required to enforce this rule through authorized agents who can apply fines and, if necessary, request support from law enforcement to restore order.
Outside of public transport, the General Noise Regulation also allows for the sanctioning of disturbing behavior in public spaces, with fines ranging from 50 to 250 euros. Misuse of sound devices can, therefore, have legal consequences even without a formal complaint.
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