Definition
The default speed limit applies to each road type when there is no specific signage. It depends on the road type and vehicle type. Any vertical sign indicating a different limit overrides the default.
Key facts
- Motorway and dual carriageway: 120 km/h. Conventional road: 90 km/h. Urban single-lane: 30 km/h. Urban with 2+ lanes per direction: 50 km/h. Residential zone: 20 km/h.
- Vans up to 3,500 kg are 10 km/h slower on interurban roads.
- Trucks, buses and combinations: 90 on motorway/dual carriageway, 80 on conventional.
- Driving 60 km/h over the limit is a criminal offence in Spain.
Practice real questions on this topic
Free DGT 2026 test with official questions and explanations. No signup.
More glossary terms
- Reflector (catadioptric)— Passive reflective device that bounces incoming light back t…
- Conventional road— Interurban road that is not a motorway, dual carriageway or …
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)— Electronic device that prevents the wheels from locking up d…
- Reversible lane— Lane whose direction of travel can change according to time …
- Safe following distance— Gap a driver must keep from the vehicle in front to stop wit…
- Blood alcohol limit— Concentration of alcohol in blood or exhaled air, expressed …
- Blind spot— Area around a vehicle that the driver cannot see using the m…
- Adaptive lights— Headlight system that adapts beam shape or intensity to road…