Road rules and safety - Spain
Which rule are you interested in?
- Seat belts
- Traffic lights
- Speed limits
- Alcohol limits
- Influence of drugs
- Safety helmet
- Forbidden lane
- Mobile telephone
- Other specific rules
The use of seat belts and child restraint systems is MANDATORY (Directive 91/671/EEC as amended). Seat belts are not compulsory for:
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A NON-flashing red light means stop. Vehicles may not cross the traffic lights or the stop line before the lights, if there is one. A NON-flashing yellow light means that vehicles must stop under the same conditions as for a non-flashing red light, unless the vehicle is so close to the traffic lights or the stop line that stopping would be dangerous. A red light in the shape of an X means that you cannot drive in the lane concerned. |
Motorcycles
Vehicles below 3.5 t
Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]
Urban roads with two or more lanes in each direction | |
Non-urban roads | |
Motorways/expressways | |
Urban roads with a single lane in each direction |
Passenger cars & vans
Vehicles below 3.5 t
Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]
Urban roads | |
Non-urban roads
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Motorways/expressways
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Passenger cars & vans with trailers
Vehicles below 3.5 t
Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]
Urban roads with two or more lanes in each direction | |
Non-urban roads | |
Motorways/expressways |
Heavy goods vehicles
over 3.5 t
Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]
Urban roads | |
Non-urban roads | |
Motorways/expressways |
Buses
Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]
Urban roads | |
Non-urban roads
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Motorways/expressways
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0,3 g/l Novice drivers (Drivers who have held a driving license for less than two years) | |
0,3 g/l Professional drivers (Professional drivers,emergency service drivers, drivers transporting dangerous goods or special transport drivers) | |
0,5 g/l Standard drivers | |
0.0 g/l
Underage drivers |
Forbidden drugsDriving while under the influence of drugs is prohibited. This does not include prescribed substances for medical purposes, unless they affect your ability to drive. |
Bicycles(Cyclists under 16: mandatoryCyclists over 16: recommended in urban areas and mandatory outside urban areas ) | |
Mopeds(Exemption for medical reasons – on presentation of a medical certificate) | |
Motorcycles with/without a sidecar(Exemption for medical reasons – on presentation of a medical certificate) | |
Light and heavy tricycles(Exemption for medical reasons – on presentation of a medical certificate) | |
Light and heavy quadricycles(Exemption for medical reasons – on presentation of a medical certificate) |
Lanes are reserved for certain vehicles, e.g. buses, taxis, bikes and minibuses – unauthorised use can be penalised (€200 fine) |
The use of mobile telephones or any other communication devices while driving is prohibited. | |
Only hands-free telephones or devices (bluetooth) may be used while driving. No headphones or earphones may be used. |
Daytime running lights are mandatory even during daylight hoursMandatory only for motorcycles For other vehicles, only in conditions of reduced visibility | |
Safety equipment for carsSpare wheel and tools for fitting it 2 portable warning triangles Reflective vest Buses and large commercial vehicles: fire extinguisher Use of wheel chains mandatory in heavy snow. | |
Safety equipment for cyclists Helmet (Cyclists under 16: mandatory; Cyclists over 16: recommended in urban areas and mandatory outside urban areas) Reflective vest Front and rear lights (at night and in tunnels) Reflectors |
Disclaimer
This content on road safety and traffic rules is provided by the national authorities according to Article 8(1) of Directive (EU) 2015/413/EU. The European Commission does not assume liability for this content or its accuracy. For the most accurate and up-to-date information check national websites, where you can also find information on other national rules covering time-based charges (vignettes), emission stickers and road tolls.