In Spain, the only safe limit for alcohol and drugs when driving is zero. Legal limits are already lower than in many countries, and for young drivers under 18 the limit is zero. Professional drivers, such as those operating school buses, face even stricter rules, and forthcoming legislation may lower the threshold further for everyone
Cycling is healthy and sustainable, but it comes with risks. Helmets are mandatory for under-16s and recommended for all. Bikes must have a bell, reflectors, and lights at night.
When driving in Spain, understanding pedestrian priority is crucial for safety and avoiding fines. This guide clarifies Spanish traffic laws, including less-known rules about giving way at junctions and when crossing pavements, ensuring you know exactly when pedestrians have the right of way.
Spotting the blue rectangular S-28 sign means you’re entering a residential zone – an area where pedestrians, including children playing, have priority over vehicles. You must slow down to a maximum of 10 km/h, be extra alert, and only park in designated areas. This sign signals a significant change in traffic rules designed for pedestrian safety.
During spring and summer, tractors and other agricultural vehicles become more common on Spanish roads, often travelling slowly and requiring extra caution from other drivers. Understanding their road positioning, speed restrictions, and licensing requirements is essential for safety. Motorists should maintain a safe distance, overtake only when it’s clearly safe, and be especially mindful on rural and interurban roads. Patience and respect are key when sharing the road with agricultural machinery.
The Spanish Government has approved an update to its official catalogue of traffic signs, effective July 1, 2025. This reform adapts signage to modern social, technological, and mobility changes, introducing new signs for personal mobility vehicles, updating pictograms, and removing obsolete ones. The gradual physical replacement of signs aims for a unified, clearer, and more inclusive road signage system across the country.