Height limitSpain

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Spain. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


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.

Height limit of 2.55 metres at a bridge. (Andalusia, Spain)
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. 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

1 Spain 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Tunnel 9 Toll road 10 Quay 11 Slope 12 Dead end 13 Stop sign 14 Give way 15 Roundabout 16 Road narrowing 17 Pedestrian crossing 18 Railway crossing 19 School area 20 Overtaking 21 Crossing animals 22 Slippery road 23 Rockfall 24 Curve 25 Roadworks 26 Height limit 27 Selective barriers 28 Traffic lights 29 Traffic lights warning 30 Pedestrian lights 31 Driving licence 32 Location marker 33 Countdown markers 34 Traffic mirror 35 International border 36 Pedestrian underpass 37 Cycling route 38 Parking 39 No parking 40 Disabled parking 41 Reversing 42 Provisional licence 43 City limit 44 Licence plate 45 Charging station 46 Dangers 47 Pedestrian 48 Cyclist 49 Bus 50 Police 51 Ambulance 52 European emission standard 53 Pothole 54 Path 55 Particulates 56 Air pollution 57 Rush hour 58 Road code 59 Street gutter 60 Road debris 61 Cargo bike 62 Forestry vehicle 63 Construction vehicle 64 Semi-trailer truck 65 Trolleybus 66 Speed pedelec 67 Delivery vehicle 68 Idling 69 Tow truck 70 Four-wheel drive 71 No vehicles 72 Bicycle 73 Motorcycle equipment 74 Tram 75 Rail track 76 Caravan 77 Trailer 78 Tow hitch 79 Fire truck 80 Siren 81 Convoy 82 Emergency vehicle lighting 83 Agricultural machinery 84 Electric bicycle 85 Electric vehicle 86 Pedelec 87 Quadricycle 88 Microcar 89 All-terrain vehicle 90 Van 91 Recreational vehicle 92 Scooter 93 Trikke 94 Personal mobility device 95 Skateboard 96 Segway 97 Kick scooter 98 Roller skates 99 Mailman 100 Hitchhiker ...