A Reminder About Speed Limits in Spain

As we have been talking recently about new and more advanced radars to catch speeding motorists, it´s probably a good idea to talk once again about the speed limits on the roads of Spain.

All roads in Spain have a maximum permitted speed limit. However, that limit not only varies depending on the characteristics of the road, but also the type of vehicle, and (in some cases) the driver.

As always when we talk about speed limits we must offer the same reminder however, the maximum permitted speed is exactly that, a maximum, it is not a target and the actual safe speed may be much lower depending on the road and weather conditions.

That said, here is the overview of the generic maximum permitted speed on the roads by vehicle type, unless signs say otherwise.

PASSENGER CARS AND MOTORCYCLES

The maximum generic speed for cars and motorcycles on motorways is 120 kilometres per hour. On secondary roads, the maximum permitted speed is 90 kilometres per hour.

BUSES

Buses, and other vehicle derivatives that have been adapted, must not exceed 100 kilometres per hour on motorways. On conventional roads, the maximum permitted speed is 90 kilometres per hour. On other conventional roads out of town they cannot exceed 80 kilometres per hour. In the event of a bus carrying standing passengers (where permitted) the maximum permitted speed, whatever the type of interurban road, is 80 kilometres per hour.

TRUCKS

On motorways and highways, trucks, articulated vehicles, tractors and vans cannot exceed 90 kilometres per hour. On conventional roads outside of towns, the maximum permitted speed is 80 kilometres per hour.

SPECIAL TRANSPORT

Any vehicle which falls into this category, namely a bus carrying school children and displaying the yellow school bus sign, or a vehicle carrying goods classed as dangerous, the maximum permitted speed must be reduced by 10 kilometres per hour.

TOWING A TRAILER

The maximum permitted limit on motorways and highways is 90 kilometres per hour when towing a light trailer (which has a maximum mass less than or equal to 750 kg) and 80 kilometres per hour when towing a non-light trailer (greater than 750 kg). On conventional roads the maximum permitted speed is then 80 kilometres per hour.

QUADS, TRICYCLES AND BICYCLES

Vehicles with three wheels or “quads” have their speed limited to 70 kilometres per hour on any type of road where they are permitted to drive.

Cycles, two and three wheeled mopeds and light quadricycles have a maximum speed of 45 kilometres per hour where permitted.