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Selective barriersSpain

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

27. Selective barriers

Selective barriers are physical access-control devices that allow certain road users or authorised vehicles to pass while restricting other traffic. They may include fixed, removable, folding or retractable bollards, gates, barriers and width-filtering installations.

The permitted users are determined by traffic signs, access conditions and local regulations, not by the barrier alone. Drivers should approach slowly, verify that they are authorised and wait until any moving barrier is fully open or retracted before continuing.

Selective barriers
Height barrier a few kilometres before the Bielsa–Aragnouet Tunnel. (Sobrarbe, Huesca, Spain)
Wikimedia.org • Basotxerri • CC BY-SA
What does a selective barrier control in Spain?

A bollard, gate, bus filter or other physical access-control device can admit some users and exclude others. It is not a universal traffic-sign category. In Spain, the relevant sign or local traffic order must be checked.

🔗 boe.es • General Traffic Regulations, Arts 2–3,18,132–133: care and traffic controls

May a cyclist or motorcycle rider use a gap beside a selective barrier in Spain?

Only if the applicable access rule permits that road user and the opening is safe and intended for them. A gap designed for pedestrians or cyclists is not permission for an unauthorised motorcycle or car.

🔗 boe.es • General Traffic Regulations, Arts 2–3,18,132–133: care and traffic controls

Can you drive through a movable barrier while it is opening in Spain?

As a safety precaution, wait until the barrier is fully open or lowered and check that your own access is permitted. Do not follow an authorised bus or emergency vehicle through a closing gate. Obey the actual signals and access conditions.

🔗 boe.es • General Traffic Regulations, Arts 2–3,18,132–133: care and traffic controls

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 ...