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DGT Glossary
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Speed limits in Spain

Maximum and minimum speeds that apply to each road type and each type of vehicle when no sign says otherwise.

Definition

Speed limits are the maximum and minimum speeds that apply to each road type and each vehicle type when no sign says otherwise. For cars and motorcycles the default maximum is 120 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways, 90 km/h on conventional roads and 50, 30 or 20 km/h on urban roads and town crossings depending on the layout of the street. The default minimum is half of that maximum — 60 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways — and any posted sign replaces the default limit, upwards or downwards.

Default maximum speeds by vehicle and road type (km/h)

Default maximum speeds by vehicle and road type (km/h)
VehicleMotorway / dual carriagewayConventional roadUrban road / town crossing
Cars and motorcycles1209020 / 30 / 50 by street layout
Vehicle towing a trailer up to 750 kg908020 / 30 / 50 by street layout
Vehicle towing a trailer over 750 kg808020 / 30 / 50 by street layout
Buses and coaches1009050 in built-up areas
Lorries, tractor units, vans over 3,500 kg and articulated vehicles908020 / 30 / 50 by street layout
MopedsNot allowed4545, never above the street limit

Urban roads: 20, 30 or 50 km/h

In built-up areas the limit comes from the street, not from the vehicle: 20 km/h where pavement and carriageway share a single platform, 30 km/h on streets with one lane per direction, and 50 km/h with two or more lanes per direction. Town crossings (travesías) follow the same rule. Where a motorway or dual carriageway runs through a built-up area, the limit drops to 80 km/h.

The minimum speed is half the maximum

Driving abnormally slowly without a justified reason and obstructing other traffic is an offence. The threshold is half the default maximum for your vehicle on that road: 45 km/h for a car on a conventional road, 40 km/h for a lorry, 40 km/h for a car with a trailer. On motorways and dual carriageways the minimum is 60 km/h for every vehicle, which is why only vehicles able to exceed that speed may use them; if an emergency forces you below it, leave at the first exit.

Key facts

  • Cars and motorcycles: 120 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways, 90 km/h on conventional roads.
  • Urban: 20 km/h on single-platform streets, 30 km/h with one lane per direction, 50 km/h with two or more.
  • Minimum speed: half the default maximum for your vehicle, and 60 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways.
  • Lorries and vans over 3,500 kg: 90 km/h on motorways, 80 km/h on conventional roads. Buses: 100 and 90.
  • Since March 2022 you may not exceed the limit to overtake — the old 20 km/h margin is gone.

Exam tip

Minimum-speed questions are answered from the road's default maximum for your vehicle, not from your own speed: 45 km/h for a car on a conventional road, 60 km/h for anyone on a motorway.

Keep studying

Frequently asked questions

What is the speed limit on a Spanish motorway?
120 km/h for cars and motorcycles, 100 km/h for buses, 90 km/h for lorries and vehicles towing a trailer up to 750 kg, and 80 km/h for vehicles towing a heavier trailer. The minimum is 60 km/h for everyone.
What is the speed limit in Spanish towns and cities?
20 km/h where the pavement and carriageway form a single platform, 30 km/h on streets with one lane per direction and 50 km/h on streets with two or more lanes per direction.
Can you exceed the limit to overtake in Spain?
No. The 20 km/h margin once allowed when overtaking on conventional roads was removed in March 2022, so the posted or default maximum applies during the whole manoeuvre.

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