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Road narrowingSpain

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.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Spain

16. Road narrowing

A road narrowing is a section where the available width of the road or carriageway becomes smaller. The narrowing may occur on both sides, on one side only, or because one or more traffic lanes end.

Drivers should reduce speed, observe approaching and adjacent traffic, maintain sufficient lateral clearance and merge when necessary. Warning signs do not always determine priority, so drivers must follow any priority signs, lane markings and local traffic rules.

Road narrowing
Road-narrowing warning sign in Los Fayos. (Zaragoza, Spain)
Wikimedia.org • Diego Delso • CC BY-SA
What does a road-narrowing warning mean in Spain?

The warning identifies a significant reduction in carriageway width on both sides or on the indicated side. It does not itself allocate priority. A loss of a lane without reduced width in the remaining lanes or shoulders is not, by itself, the situation covered by the narrowing warning.

🔗 boe.es • General Traffic Regulation articles 60,74,109; catalogue P-17,P-17a,P-17b

Does a narrowing warning give you priority in Spain?

No. A warning describes the reduced width, rather than allocating priority or setting a numerical speed limit. Follow any separate priority signs, signals and meeting rules, and slow enough to pass safely or wait before entering.

🔗 boe.es • General Traffic Regulation articles 60,74,109; catalogue P-17,P-17a,P-17b

What should you do if traffic lanes merge at a narrowing in Spain?

Follow lane-ending signs and markings, signal any lane change and give way to vehicles already in the lane you intend to enter. Do not force them to brake or change course abruptly. A road-narrowing warning does not create an automatic right to merge.

🔗 boe.es • General Traffic Regulation articles 60,74,109; catalogue P-17,P-17a,P-17b

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