Driving on motorways and dual carriageways is more comfortable and safer than on secondary roads, although accidents that occur there can be more serious. 🚧
🚫 Who is allowed to use them?
- ✅ Vehicles and trailers that can reach a minimum of 60 km/h
- ❌ Prohibited for: pedestrians, animals, mopeds, bicycles (except cyclists aged 14+ on the hard shoulder of a dual carriageway), and vehicles for reduced mobility
🚦 Entering Motorways/Dual Carriageways
Entry is via acceleration lanes or toll booths:
- 🛣️ Sign S-222 indicates a turnoff to a motorway or dual carriageway
- ⛔ You must stop at control/toll booths
- 💳 Payment methods: cash, card, electronic tolling (S-32 and R-418)
⚡ Acceleration lane
Allows you to reach an appropriate speed to merge:
- 👁️ Check traffic before entering
- 🔁 Signal the maneuver
- 🚗 Vehicles on the main carriageway should facilitate merging
🛣️ Lane rules
- ➡️ Always drive in the right-hand lane
- ⬅️ Use the left lane only to overtake
- 🚛 Trucks (>3,500 kg) and long combinations (>7 m) may use the second lane
🚧 Use of the hard shoulder
- 🚷 It is forbidden to drive, stop, or park on the hard shoulder
- 🔧 Allowed in case of breakdown or emergency
- 🚓 Priority (emergency) vehicles may use it
🚀 Maximum speeds
| Vehicle type | Maximum speed |
|---|---|
| Passenger cars and motorcycles | 120 km/h |
| Buses, mixed-use vehicles and car-derived vans | 100 km/h |
| Trucks, vans, panel vans, motorhomes (≤750 kg) | 90 km/h |
| Vehicles with a trailer | 80 km/h |
| School transport or dangerous goods | 10 km/h less than the previous limit |
🐢 Abnormally low speed
🚫 You must not drive at less than 60 km/h, except in specific cases (special vehicles, slow traffic).
🛑 Slowing down and stopping
- 🔦 Warn using brake lights or by arm signal
- ⚠️ Signal stops with hazard lights
⛔ Stops and parking
Prohibited outside signposted rest areas (S-271, S-12).
❌ Prohibited maneuvers
- 🚫 Reversing
- 🚫 U-turns (except in designated areas)
- 🚫 Entering the central reservation/median
🔁 Overtaking
- 🔍 Watch the blind spot
- ⬅️ Always overtake on the left
- 🚛 Trucks (>3,500 kg) may not use the third lane
🆘 Emergencies
- 📞 Use SOS posts or a mobile phone
- 🚫 Do not walk on the carriageway to seek help
- 🚓 Only authorized tow trucks may tow
😴 Monotony and attention
🧠 Stop in rest areas, avoid heavy meals, and ventilate the cabin.
🔗 Seat belt
🎗️ Mandatory for all occupants, including in taxis and emergency services.
🏁 Leaving the motorway/dual carriageway
- ⬇️ Reduce speed in advance
- ↪️ Use the right lane and signal
- 🛑 Never reverse if you miss your exit
✅ Tip: Stay alert, obey the signs, and be sure to maintain an appropriate speed. Safety on motorways and dual carriageways depends on you! 🛡️
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