The PSD Parliamentary Group visited the rent-a-car area at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport on 28th July 2026 to present changes to the regional rules for the sector. Bruno Melim said the new legislation responds to problems seen in busy tourist areas, especially rental cars being left on public roads or taking spaces meant for residents. The updated rules require companies to keep clearly marked parking areas for vehicles not in use, and those spaces must be within 15 kilometres of the company’s main establishment or busiest vehicle collection point. Operators will also need dedicated premises with a physical customer service counter, so tourists and residents can receive assistance in person. Melim said it will no longer be acceptable for a company to run only from the owner’s home without a public-facing service point. The framework also increases the minimum fleet size, adds vehicle safety requirements and creates a more complete register of vehicles in the sector to support inspections and improve security. It further encourages companies to expand their electric vehicle fleets, while aiming to make the sector more organised, safer and more transparent without adding pressure to parking and public spaces in the municipalities with the highest demand.
