Maximum Speed From 100 To 90 And From 40 To 30

Published in the State Bulletin yesterday, December 29th and coming into force on the 29th of January 2019, a Royal Decree with an amendment to the General Circulation Reglament, to try and meet the goals outlined in the Security Strategy 2011-2020, with regards to decreasing traffic fatalities numbers.

This RD adjusts Article 1 of the Circulation Reglament to include a maximum speed of 90 kms/hr on conventional highways, with or without separation between to and fro driving traffic, irrespective of the width of the hard shoulder, for motor cycles, tourism vehicles, pick ups and motorhomes up to 3.500 kg. (120 km/hr on regular highways autopista/autovía).

Buses, ´mixto´ vehicles and vehicles ´derived from´ a tourism vehicle, have the same speed limit (and 100 km/hr on regular highways autopista/autovía), but for buses there is a further limitation of 10 km on all highways  if they are authorised to transport standing passengers, carry minors (school transport) or are not equipped with safety belts. Same further limitation of 10 km/hr for vehicles that transport dangerous substances.

Lorries, motorhomes over 3.500 kg, vans, vehicles with trailer and other vehicles are restricted to 80 km/hr on conventional highways and 90 on regular highways autopista/autovía.

On conventional highways where there is a physical separation between the two driving directions, the owner of the road can fix a max speed of 100 km/hr for tourism vehicles, motorcycles and motorhomes up to 3.500 kg.

To vehicles with three wheels, asimilated to motorcycles, the same speed limits apply as for those with 2 wheels.

For those in the ´campo´: on unpaved roads the maximum speed will be limited to 30 km/hr.

3 wheeled vehicles or quadricycles won´t be allowed to go any faster than 70 km/hr, whatever road they are allowed to drive on.

Non-compliance with these new regulations will be considered grave or very grave traffic offences and sanctioned accordingly.

DGT Trafico has announced further changes with regards to sanctions, loss of points for traffic offences related to speeding, use of mobile phone, non-compliance with regards to use of safety seats for children and use of helmets, obligatory presential theory classes and extra practical classes if you´ve failed your practical exam and want to try again, but those will be further along in 2019. We will keep you posted, as always.

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.