Minimum speedSpain
Traffic rules
Spain
1. Minimum speed
A minimum speed is the lowest speed that vehicles are required to maintain on a particular road or under specified conditions. Minimum-speed rules are intended to prevent vehicles travelling unnecessarily slowly from disrupting traffic or creating large speed differences between road users.
A minimum speed does not require drivers to maintain that speed when traffic, weather, visibility, road conditions or safety require them to slow down. The way minimum speeds are indicated and enforced varies between countries.
What is Spain’s general minimum on motorways?
On autopistas and autovías, the general minimum is 60 km/h. The regulations also prohibit unjustifiably low speeds that obstruct normal traffic. Statutory exceptions cover circumstances such as traffic, the road or the vehicle that prevent safe compliance.
🔗 boe.es • Spain: General Traffic Regulation articles 38(2),49(1)-(3)
🔗 boe.es • Spain: official sign catalogue, Royal Decree 465/2025
How is Spain’s minimum on other roads calculated?
The general rule is half the general maximum for the relevant vehicle category and road, even when no minimum-speed sign is present. Do not simply halve any number you see: road category, vehicle class, applicable signs and statutory exceptions matter.
🔗 boe.es • Spain: General Traffic Regulation articles 38(2),49(1)-(3)
🔗 boe.es • Spain: official sign catalogue, Royal Decree 465/2025
Must I leave a Spanish motorway if an emergency forces abnormally slow travel?
Use the first available exit when an emergency forces abnormally slow motorway travel. Where travelling below the minimum creates a collision risk, use the hazard warning lights while moving. A normal traffic queue is not an instruction for every driver to leave.
🔗 boe.es • Spain: General Traffic Regulation articles 38(2),49(1)-(3)
🔗 boe.es • Spain: official sign catalogue, Royal Decree 465/2025
