Article 1 — Nature of the event
The Chaços Challenge is a recreational, touring off-road challenge, contested by teams on dirt routes set in advance by the organisers. It is not a speed race. The ranking comes from completing objectives along the route — the winner is the one who thinks, not the one who floors it.
Whenever the route uses roads open to traffic, the Portuguese Highway Code (Código da Estrada) applies in full.
Article 2 — Teams
1. Each vehicle carries at least 2 people. A driver and a co-driver are mandatory: no vehicle takes part with only one person.
2. The driver must be of legal age and hold a valid driving licence.
3. The team is responsible for its vehicle, its equipment and its conduct throughout the event.
Article 3 — Mandatory documents
All vehicles must present, at check-in:
- A valid periodic roadworthiness inspection;
- Active motor insurance;
- The vehicle registration document and the driver's driving licence.
Without these documents in order, the vehicle is not admitted — no exceptions.
Article 4 — Mandatory vehicle equipment
Each vehicle must be fitted with:
- A sump guard;
- Off-road tyres (AT or MT) in good condition;
- A tow strap and an accessible towing point;
- Reflective vests (one per team member);
- A fire extinguisher within its validity date, secured and reachable from the cabin;
- Basic tools (spanners, tape, cable ties);
- A jack suited to the vehicle;
- A spare wheel in good condition.
Also recommended: a first-aid kit, a torch and water.
Article 5 — Technical checks
1. On reception day (check-in), the organisers check the documents and the mandatory equipment of every vehicle.
2. The organisers reserve the right to refuse the start to any vehicle that does not meet the requirements of Articles 3 and 4, with no right to a refund.
Article 6 — Conduct during the event
1. Moderate speed suited to the terrain, always.
2. Absolute respect for villages, private property, animals and other users of the tracks.
3. Leaving litter is forbidden — whatever you take, you bring back.
4. The organisers' instructions prevail in all circumstances.
Article 7 — App, tracking and emergencies
1. The official Chaços Challenge app is mandatory on at least one phone per team, with location set to "Always Allow".
2. The position of the vehicles is followed by the organisers during the event (safety and ranking).
3. In an emergency, the SOS button in the app immediately alerts the organisers with the team's location. In serious situations, always call 112 as well.
Article 8 — Liability
1. Each participant understands and accepts the risks inherent in off-road driving and takes part at their own risk.
2. The organisers are not liable for damage to vehicles, occupants or third parties, nor for breakdowns, accidents or any costs arising from them.
3. Damage caused to property or tracks is the responsibility of the team that causes it.
Article 9 — Exclusion
Failure to comply with these rules — in particular Articles 3, 4 and 6 — may result in immediate exclusion from the event, with no right to a refund.
Article 10 — Pre-registration and payment
1. Pre-registration is only valid once the deposit has been paid.
2. The remainder of the registration fee is paid by 30 January 2027.
3. If the remainder is not paid by the deadline, the pre-registration is cancelled and the deposit is not refunded.
Article 11 — Acceptance
Submitting a registration implies full acceptance of these rules. VAT at the legal rate in force is added to registration fees. Any situation not covered is decided by the organisers.
LET'S ROLL!