Speed is one of the key factors in road safety. Driving while respecting the established limits and adapting your speed to surrounding conditions is essential to avoid accidents ⚠️.
📘 1. Important definitions
- Appropriate speed 🚗: The speed that allows the driver to stop the vehicle safely in front of any visible obstacle. Example: if it’s raining, you must go slower even if the limit is higher.
- Limited speed 📏: The one set by law or signage, whether general or specific.
- Excessive speed 🚨: Exceeding the maximum permitted limits.
- Inappropriate speed 😰: Failing to adapt to road conditions (curves, fog, heavy traffic).
📊 2. Speed limits outside built-up areas
| Type of vehicle | Motorways and expressways | Other roads |
|---|---|---|
| Cars, motorcycles | 120 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Buses | 100 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Trucks and vans | 90 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Dangerous goods 🚛 | 80 km/h | 70 km/h |
🚸 School transport and dangerous goods must reduce by 10 km/h compared to the road limit.
🏙️ 3. Limits on urban roads and through roads
- 🌆 Urban roads: 50 km/h
- 🚚 Vehicles carrying dangerous goods: 40 km/h
- 🚸 Residential streets: 20 km/h
📏 4. Signs related to speed
Vertical signs and road markings regulate specific limits:
- R-301: Maximum permitted speed
- R-411: Minimum mandatory speed
- Variable message panels: Variable speed according to weather conditions
- V-4: Rear sticker with a specific limit for special vehicles
🎯 5. Appropriate speed: when to slow down
The driver must reduce speed in situations such as:
- 🚶 Presence of pedestrians
- 🚴 Groups of cyclists
- 🏫 Near schools or elderly people
- 🌫️ Adverse weather conditions
- ⚠️ Reduced visibility or lighting failures
🐢 6. Abnormally low speed
Considered such when driving without justification below:
- 60 km/h on motorways/expressways
- Less than half the general limit on other roads
❌ It can cause danger due to abrupt braking or traffic congestion.
📌 7. Final considerations
- 🛑 Since 2021 it is not permitted to overtake by exceeding the maximum speed
- 🏘️ On entering a built-up area, the limit is 50 km/h unless a sign indicates otherwise
- 📉 Speed must always be adjusted to real conditions, not just the legal limit
✅ Knowing and applying these rules improves safety, prevents fines, and saves lives.
