Wrong-way drivingSpain
Traffic rules
Spain
1. Wrong-way driving
Wrong-way driving occurs when a driver travels against the legally permitted direction of traffic. It may happen on a one-way road, divided road, motorway entrance or exit, or another road section reserved for traffic travelling in one direction.
Wrong-way driving creates an extreme risk of a head-on collision. Drivers must follow direction signs, no-entry signs, lane arrows and road markings. Anyone who accidentally enters a road in the wrong direction should slow down, warn other traffic, stop in the safest available place and contact the emergency services.
How can you avoid driving the wrong way in Spain?
Traffic normally keeps right here. Keep to the correct side of the road and use no-entry and one-way signs to identify prohibited approaches; do not enter an exit ramp against its permitted direction.
🔗 boe.es • Spain: official sign catalogue, Royal Decree 465/2025
What signs can prevent wrong-way driving in Spain?
Read no-entry signs, one-way signs, lane arrows and temporary directions together; a wide road is not automatically two-way. Before entering a motorway, expressway, one-way street or slip road, check the permitted direction rather than relying only on a navigation app.
🔗 boe.es • Spain: official sign catalogue, Royal Decree 465/2025
What should you do if you enter a road against traffic in Spain?
Stop as soon as you can safely do so, without continuing towards oncoming traffic. Warn other road users if safe and contact the police for instructions. Do not attempt a U-turn, reverse along a motorway or cross moving traffic to correct the mistake. Keep yourself and passengers clear of moving traffic whenever you can reach protection safely.
🔗 boe.es • Spain: official sign catalogue, Royal Decree 465/2025
