Height limitSpain
26. Height limit
A height limit prohibits vehicles whose total height exceeds the value shown from entering or passing a road section, bridge, tunnel, gateway or other structure. The vehicle’s height includes its load and any equipment attached above it.
Drivers of high vehicles must know their exact height, observe advance warnings and use an alternative route when necessary. They should never rely only on visual judgement or attempt to pass beneath a structure when safe clearance is uncertain.
Wikimedia.org • Schumi4ever • CC BY-SA
How should you read a low-bridge height restriction in Spain?
The maximum-height sign prohibits vehicles higher than the stated limit. Check the complete travelling height, including the load and roof-mounted equipment, before entering a low bridge, tunnel or other restricted passage. Read any advance indication and use a permitted alternative when necessary.
🔗 boe.es • Spain: Regulation articles 13,132; catalogue R-205
🔗 boe.es • Spain: official sign catalogue, Royal Decree 465/2025
Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited.
English • Traffic sign R-205 • Height limit. Vehicles whose maximum height, including the load, exceeds the indicated value must not pass.
Español • R-205 • Limitación de altura. Prohibición de paso a los vehículos cuya altura máxima, incluida la carga, supere la indicada.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Gigillo83 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Boe.es • Reglamento General de Circulación • anexo I • catálogo vigente
🔗 Boe.es • Real Decreto 465/2025 • R-205 • página 53
SVG source: Gigillo83 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2013-10-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Does a roof load count when checking vehicle height in Spain?
Yes. Check the highest point of the complete travelling vehicle, including a roof box, roof rack, bicycle or other load and fitted equipment. Do not rely on the registered height of an unloaded vehicle. Compare the actual travelling height with the signed restriction and the available clearance.
🔗 boe.es • Spain: Regulation articles 13,132; catalogue R-205
🔗 boe.es • Spain: official sign catalogue, Royal Decree 465/2025
What should you do if your vehicle is too high for a bridge or tunnel in Spain?
Do not try to squeeze under the structure. Use the signed alternative route and, if you are already close to the obstruction, stop where safe and seek traffic-control assistance rather than reversing unpredictably into moving traffic.
🔗 boe.es • Spain: Regulation articles 13,132; catalogue R-205
🔗 boe.es • Spain: official sign catalogue, Royal Decree 465/2025

Traffic rules
Spain