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
Seat beltsThe 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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Traffic lightsA 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]
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Urban roads with a single level road and pavement layout |
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Urban roads with a single lane in each direction |
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Urbans roads with two or more lanes in each direction |
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Non-urban roads |
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Motorways/expressways |
Passenger cars and vans
Vehicles below 3.5 t
Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]
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Urban roads with a single level road and pavement layout |
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Urban roads with a single lane in each direction |
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Urban roads with two or more lanes in each direction |
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Non-urban roads |
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Motorways/expressways |
Passenger cars and vans with trailers
Vehicles below 3.5 t
Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]
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Urban roads with a single level road and pavement layout |
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Urban roads with a single lane in each direction |
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Urbans roads with two or more lanes in each direction |
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Non-urban roads |
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Motorways/expressways |
Heavy goods vehicles
Vehicles over 3.5 t
Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]
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Urban roads with a single level road and pavement layout |
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Urban roads with a single lane in each direction |
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Urbans roads with two or more lanes in each direction |
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Non-urban roads |
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Motorways/expressways |
Buses
Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]
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Urban roads with a single level road and pavement layout |
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Urban roads with a single lane in each direction |
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Urbans roads with two or more lanes in each direction |
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Non-urban roads |
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Motorways/expressways |
Alcohol limits0,3 mg/ml Novice drivers (for 2 years after obtaining a driving licence or special licence) | |
| 0,3 mg/ml
Professional drivers (Professional, emergency service, dangerous goods or special transport drivers) | |
| 0,5 mg/ml
Standard drivers | |
| 0.0 mg/ml
Underage drivers |
Influence of 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. |
Safety helmet
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Bicycles(Cyclists under 16: mandatory - Cyclists over 16: recommended in urban areas and mandatory outside urban areas) |
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Mopeds(Exemption for medical reasons – on presentation of a medical certificate) |
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Motorcycles with/without a sidecar(Exemption for medical reasons – on presentation of a medical certificate) |
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Light and heavy tricycles(Exemption for medical reasons – on presentation of a medical certificate) |
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Light and heavy quadricycles(Exemption for medical reasons – on presentation of a medical certificate) |
Forbidden laneLanes are reserved for certain vehicles, e.g. buses, taxis, bicycles etc. – unauthorised use is punishable with a €200 fine |
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The use of mobile telephones or any other communication devices while driving is prohibited. |
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Only hands-free telephones or devices (bluetooth) may be used while driving. No headphones or earphones may be used. |
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Daytime running lights are mandatory even during daylight hoursMandatory only for motorcycles For other vehicles, only in conditions of reduced visibility |
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Safety items for motor vehiclesSpare wheel and tools for fitting it 2 hazard warning triangles or an amber emergency warning light Reflective vest Buses and goods vehicles over 3.5 t.: all the above plus a fire extinguisher Mandatory use of snow chains in heavy snow. |
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Safety items for cyclists Helmet (cyclists under 16: mandatory; cyclists over 16: recommended in urban areas and mandatory outside urban areas) Reflective clothing / high visibility reflective accessories if cycling on inter-urban roads in conditions of reduced visibility Front and rear lights and a rear reflector if cycling in conditions of reduced visibility |
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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.