Traffic Rules
Speed limits in Spain
Spain's default speed limits by road type, including the urban limits that catch many newcomers out.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15
This guide is not yet verified by Tuchati's editorial review — treat it as a helpful starting point, not a final legal answer.
Overview
Spain's speed limits vary by road type, and its urban limits in particular are lower than many visitors expect, following a nationwide reform lowering speeds on most city streets.
Requirements
- Applies to all drivers on Spanish roads — specific signage always overrides the general default limit where posted
Step-by-step process
- Motorways and dual carriageways (autopistas/autovías): 120 km/h for cars and motorcycles
- Conventional interurban roads: 90 km/h for cars and motorcycles
- Urban roads with two or more lanes per direction: 50 km/h
- Urban single-lane-per-direction roads: 30 km/h
- Urban roads with a single shared platform for cars and pedestrians (no distinct pavement): 20 km/h
- Always follow specific posted signage where it differs from these general defaults
Required documents
- N/A
Common mistakes
- Assuming a wide urban street still allows higher speeds if it only has one lane per direction — the 30 km/h default applies based on lane configuration, not road width
- Not adjusting for Spain's lower urban defaults if you're used to higher limits elsewhere
Practical tips
- When in doubt in a city, defaulting to 30 km/h unless signage or clear multi-lane configuration indicates otherwise is a safe general approach
- On motorways, note there's also a minimum speed (generally half the maximum) — driving unusually slowly on a fast road can also be an offence
How Tuchati can help
If a specific road's limit is unclear, Tuchati can help you understand the applicable rule.