Planning to drive in Spain? Whether you are driving in your own car, or hiring one, it’s best to ensure you know the speed limits on the various road types in Spain. This guide gives you the current speed limits, enforcement changes for 2025, typical fines, and practical tips so you can stay safe and avoid the risk of penalties or fines.
Standard Speed Limits (cars & motorbikes)
As a general rule, the speed limits on Spanish roads are as follows:
| Road type
| Max speed
|
|---|
| Motorways (Autopistas / Autovías)
| 120 km/h
|
| Main rural roads / dual carriageways (non-motorway)
| 90 km/h
|
| Single-carriageway roads outside towns
| 90 km/h
|
| Built-up areas (default)
| 50 km/h
|
| Residential / traffic-calmed streets
| 30 km/h or 20 km/h (as signed)
|
Good to know
- Spain uses km/h on all signs. Double-check the km/h scale on your speedometer.
- Variable signs can reduce limits for weather, roadworks, or traffic — the posted sign always wins.
Other vehicle types and towing
- Vehicles towing trailers or caravans: lower caps apply (often 80–90 km/h depending on road type and trailer weight). Always follow posted signs.
- Vans, buses, HGVs: reduced limits compared to cars, especially off motorways.
- Motorway access: vehicles must be capable of maintaining typical motorway speeds; slow vehicles may be prohibited where indicated.
Law Changes in 2025
- The informal “tolerance” above posted limits has been tightened. Expect enforcement for small over-speeds.
- Typical guidance used by authorities:
- Fixed cameras: around ±3 km/h margin below 100 km/h, ~3% above 100 km/h.
- Mobile cameras: around ±5 km/h margin below 100 km/h, ~5% above 100 km/h.
- In practice, assume little to no leeway and keep within the posted limit.
Speeding Fines & Points
| Excess over the limit
| Typical fine (EUR)
| Licence points / consequences
|
|---|
| Up to ~20 km/h over
| ~€100
| Usually minimal or no points
|
| 21–49 km/h over
| ~€300–€500
| ~2–6 points depending on severity
|
| 50+ km/h over
| Up to ~€600 (or more in aggravated cases)
| Heavier sanctions; potential licence suspension or criminal proceedings
|
On-the-spot and deadlines
- Police can require payment on the spot or within a set deadline. Early payment can reduce the fine in many cases.
- Foreign drivers can be pursued after returning home under cross-border enforcement rules.
City/Town limits explained
- 50 km/h is the default in towns and cities.
- Many streets are now 30 km/h (single lane per direction) or 20 km/h in shared-space areas. These zones are widely adopted in residential districts and near schools. Always follow local signage.
Documents and in-car kit (basics)
- Full, valid driving licence.
- Vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
- Warning triangle and high-visibility vests for occupants (used in a breakdown).
- UK-registered vehicles should display the correct national identifier where required.
Practical tips to avoid fines
- Set your navigation to show km/h limits and alerts (disable camera warning features if restricted).
- Slow for rain, fog and roadworks — dynamic signs may drop limits quickly.
- Treat transition zones (tunnels, underpasses, village approaches) with care; limits often reduce.
- If towing, plan slower itineraries; your limits are lower than for cars.
- Assume no tolerance: drive at or below the posted limit.
Speed Limits in Spain
Spain’s limits are straightforward but strictly enforced. Watch for variable signs, expect tight radar tolerances, and keep your speed in km/h. If in doubt, slow down — it’s safer, cheaper, and less stressful.
