What Does a Speed Limit Sign Tell Us?

It might seem obvious, but speed limit signs show us the maximum permitted speed on a stretch of road, and in Spain, the figure demonstrates kilometres per hour, but there is sometimes a lot of confusion over what the signs mean in other than normal situations, and, more commonly, where the limit ends.

Let us break down what the speed limit signs actually tell us.

Firstly, it is important to note, as mentioned that the sign denotes a maximum permitted speed. In fact, the true definition is, “Prohibition on traveling at a speed exceeding the speed indicated on the sign, expressed in kilometres per hour”.

So, in other words, you must not go over the speed indicated. However, the speed limit sign also denotes a maximum permitted speed, not a target. Just because the sign might say 80, for example, it does not mean you must travel at that speed, as other factors could determine that going slower is more appropriate, and not all vehicles or combinations are necessarily permitted to reach even the limit on the sign.

And, to stress, it is a maximum, and although there is a “margin of error” established in speed cameras and radars, that margin of error is for more complicated reasons than a common belief that, “you are allowed to go a bit over the limit”, because you are not. The maximum permitted speed is the limit, and it is not a target.

When we see the speed limit sign, the prohibition is mandatory from the location where the sign exists, in other words you must have reduced your speed before reaching the sign if it is a decrease and applies until the next “End of speed limit,” “End of prohibitions,” or “Maximum speed” sign, but there are also exceptions to this rule.

The first exception is if the speed limit sign appears on the same post as a hazard warning sign or on the same panel, for example a junction or bend warning, the prohibition ends when the indicated hazard ends. So, in our first example, until you have passed the junction. There will seldom be another sign cancelling out the reduction in these cases.

If the speed limit sign is located on a non-priority road, it ceases to be in effect upon exiting a junction onto a priority road.

All roads have generic maximum speed limits, which you can read about on the n332.es website, but if the limit indicated by the sign coincides with the maximum speed permitted for the type of road, it provides a general reminder of the prohibition of exceeding it.