How must loading and unloading be carried out in Spain?

Off the road wherever possible; otherwise from the side of the vehicle closest to the kerb, quickly, without unnecessary noise, and without leaving goods on the carriageway, the shoulder or pedestrian areas.

Can you double-park to unload?

No. Double parking is completely forbidden on roads inside built-up areas, however wide the road, even when the purpose is loading or unloading a goods vehicle.

Loading and unloading | DGT glossary

Definition

Loading and unloading (carga y descarga) means moving goods on or off the vehicle carrying them. As a rule it must be done off the road; only where that is impossible may it be done from the carriageway, and then always from the side of the vehicle closest to the edge of the carriageway, as quickly as possible and without unnecessary noise or nuisance. Goods may not be left on the carriageway, on the shoulder or in pedestrian areas.

Where you may stop to load

A yellow zigzag road marking means parking is banned there for vehicles in general because the space is reserved for a special use that does not involve a long stay — a bus stop, or a loading bay. Double parking never qualifies: it is completely forbidden on roads inside built-up areas, however wide the road, even for loading and unloading goods vehicles. Municipal by-laws set the hours and the bays where the operation is allowed.

Key facts

General rule: load and unload off the road wherever possible.
On the road, work from the side of the vehicle closest to the kerb.
As quickly as possible, without unnecessary noise; on urban roads, with the engine switched off.
Goods may never be left on the carriageway, the shoulder or pedestrian areas.
Double parking to load or unload is forbidden inside built-up areas.

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Frequently asked questions

How must loading and unloading be carried out in Spain?: Off the road wherever possible; otherwise from the side of the vehicle closest to the kerb, quickly, without unnecessary noise, and without leaving goods on the carriageway, the shoulder or pedestrian areas.
Can you double-park to unload?: No. Double parking is completely forbidden on roads inside built-up areas, however wide the road, even when the purpose is loading or unloading a goods vehicle.

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Loading and unloading