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.