School areaSpain
19. School area
A school area is a road or group of roads near a school where large numbers of children may walk, cycle, cross the road or enter and leave vehicles. It may be identified by warning signs, zone signs, road markings, traffic-calming measures or flashing lights.
Special speed limits, parking restrictions or access rules may apply permanently or only during school arrival and departure times. Drivers should reduce speed, watch carefully for children and be prepared to stop.
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What speed rules apply around schools in Spain?
Apply the urban limit for the road layout and any lower restriction. The general urban rules distinguish 20 km/h for a shared-level carriageway and pavement, 30 km/h for one lane per direction and 50 km/h for two or more lanes per direction, subject to the regulation’s qualifications and signed changes. School-area measures can impose additional restrictions.
🔗 boe.es • Spain: articles45-46,50,65,94,158; children-warning sign
🔗 boe.es • Spain: official sign catalogue, RoyalDecree465/2025
🔗 boe.es • Spain: RoyalDecree518/2026, effective1October2026
Does a school warning sign in Spain automatically set the speed limit?
A children or school warning alerts you to a potential hazard; the enforceable numerical speed limit depends on the applicable law, regulatory signs and any time or variable display. Slow further if children are near the road.
🔗 boe.es • Spain: articles45-46,50,65,94,158; children-warning sign
🔗 boe.es • Spain: official sign catalogue, RoyalDecree465/2025
🔗 boe.es • Spain: RoyalDecree518/2026, effective1October2026
How should you pass a school entrance in Spain?
Watch for children stepping out from between parked vehicles, obey crossings and any school patrol, and follow stopping or parking restrictions. Do not obstruct visibility near a crossing or school entrance; approach at a speed that permits a safe stop.
🔗 boe.es • Spain: articles45-46,50,65,94,158; children-warning sign
🔗 boe.es • Spain: official sign catalogue, RoyalDecree465/2025
🔗 boe.es • Spain: RoyalDecree518/2026, effective1October2026

Traffic rules
Spain