Traffic signs

Step 1. The big picture

In one sentence…

Master the hierarchy between officers, temporary signalling, traffic lights, vertical signs and road markings, and study the current official catalogue with attention to the most recent updates. On passenger-transport licences, reading a sign late can compromise turns, stops, reserved lanes and access restrictions.

What you'll cover

1. 1.Hierarchy of signalling
2. 2.Families of signs
3. 3.Priority at junctions and conflicts
4. 4.Road markings and lanes
5. 5.Roadworks, diversions and temporary signalling
6. 6.Official catalogue and the 2025 update
7. 7.Study method for signs

Step 2. The syllabus

Step 3. Key points

If you only have a minute before the exam, revise this.

1. 1.Recognise the full hierarchy of signalling before interpreting details.
2. 2.Distinguish hazard, regulatory, information, traffic lights, markings and temporary signage.
3. 3.Link each sign to the required conduct and the affected stretch of road.
4. 4.Apply priority signs before the general priority-to-the-right rule.
5. 5.Study the updated catalogue and not just old images.
6. 6.Interpret roadworks and diversions as situations governed by temporary signalling.
7. 7.Practise reversible, additional and reserved lanes paying attention to arrows.
8. 8.Read in advance the restrictions that affect buses.

Step 4. Exam traps

Mistakes the DGT uses again and again on this topic.

• !Confusing the general priority rule with a vertical sign or an operating traffic light.
• !Forgetting that temporary roadworks signalling can change the usual regime.
• !Reading a road marking in isolation without linking it to the rest of the signalling.
• !Deciding by shape or colour without first applying the hierarchy between signs.
• !Using old material and not recognising the official catalogue updated in 2025.
• !Not distinguishing whether a light or arrow applies to all road users or only to one lane.

Step 5. Quick check

Four real exam questions on what you have just read.

Step 6. Frequently asked questions about traffic signs

An identified driver personally disobeys a traffic sign while driving. With no special liability provision applying, who is responsible for that infringement?

The driver. The driver, as the person who committed the act. Article 82’s general rule assigns liability to the offender, subject to statutory exceptions. A company instruction does not automatically make the company solely liable or remove the driver’s liability for that act. Other infringements, such as vehicle documents, inspections or maintenance affecting safety, may have different liability rules; this answer must not be applied to every infringement.See full question

In 2026, which combination of accessories does Annex XII of Spain’s General Vehicle Regulations require on a bus registered in Spain?

Connected certified V-16, regulation-compliant reflective vest and appropriate approved fire-extinguishing equipment. A connected, certified V-16 beacon, a high-visibility reflective vest meeting the regulatory requirements, and an approved fire-extinguishing unit appropriate for the vehicle and in working order. Since 1 January 2026, triangles or an unconnected beacon do not replace the required connected V-16. This question concerns that Annex XII equipment and does not exclude other equipment required for a particular vehicle or service.See full question

May a bus authorised to use the road travel in a lane opened against its usual direction because of roadworks?

Yes, unless expressly prohibited. Yes, unless expressly prohibited. A lane opened for roadworks may be used by vehicle types authorised to travel on that road, subject to the lane’s conditions. Use at least dipped headlights by day and night and comply with the regime’s speed limits, including any lower established or posted limits. A lane opened for traffic flow is restricted to cars without trailers and motorcycles; a bus may not use it.See full question

A bus authorised to carry standing passengers travels on an urban road with two or more ordinary lanes in each direction, without a shared carriageway-and-pavement platform or a specific posted limit. What is the general speed limit?

50 km/h. 50 km/h in the stated case. Lanes reserved for particular users or exclusively for public transport do not count toward that lane total. An urban road with one lane per direction generally has a 30 km/h limit, and a shared carriageway-and-pavement platform has a 20 km/h limit. Thus 50 km/h is not the limit for every urban street. Outside built-up areas, a bus carrying authorised standing passengers has an 80 km/h maximum, subject to applicable lower limits.See full question

A bus without a trailer and a car without a trailer meet head-on in a level narrowing wide enough for only one vehicle. No officer or signs regulate passage, and it is unclear who entered first. If one must reverse to let the other pass, which one is it?

The car. The car must give way to the bus. Where entry order is uncertain, Article 62 ranks collective passenger vehicles ahead of cars without trailers. If the first entrant is known, Article 60 gives that vehicle priority. Steep sections have the specific rule in Article 63. Not all special vehicles rank first: that position applies to those exceeding the regulatory masses or dimensions.See full question