Legal definition
Public road situated outside a built-up area.
RDL 6/2015, Annex I, point 72 (translation)Definition
An interurban road is a public road outside a built-up area. Annex I of Spain’s Traffic Act distinguishes it from an urban road, which is inside a built-up area except for town-crossing roads.
What changes outside a built-up area
Stopping and parking must be done off the carriageway, on the right-hand side and without occupying the usable part of the shoulder; the "either side" rule belongs to one-way urban roads, not to interurban ones. Cars and special vehicles over 3,500 kg must drive on the carriageway and not on the shoulder except in an emergency, while mopeds do the opposite and ride the right-hand shoulder where it is usable. A reflective vest is compulsory whenever you leave the vehicle after a breakdown on an interurban road, day or night.
Key facts
- Interurban road: any public road outside a built-up area.
- Urban road: inside a built-up area, except travesías.
- Stop and park off the carriageway, on the right, clear of the usable shoulder.
- Mopeds ride the right-hand shoulder where there is no dedicated lane.
- Most fatal crashes in Spain happen on interurban roads.
Frequently asked questions
- What is an interurban road in Spain?
- Any public road situated outside a built-up area, whatever its type — motorway, dual carriageway, conventional road or lane.
- Is a travesía an urban road?
- No. A travesía is a stretch of highway running through a town with no bypass available, and it is not classed as an urban road even though it lies inside the built-up area.
Practice real questions on this topic
Free DGT 2026 test with exam-style questions and explanations. No signup. Or explore the free DGT test in English hub for everything in one place.
In the DGT exam
- When joining traffic from a parked position, how may a driver check, if necessary, that it is safe to do so?
- To continue straight ahead, where must you stop?
- A car with MAM no greater than 3,500 kg has a breakdown. It can continue safely but travels at an abnormally low speed on a motorway, seriously disrupting traffic. The right shoulder is usable and wide enough. What must it do?
Keep studying
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