Maximum speeds on roads outside built-up areas is one of the topics in the Vehicle movement block of the Spanish DGT theory. How vehicles must move on the road: direction of travel, position on the carriageway, speed and distances. Understanding this section well helps you answer the theory-exam questions on this topic with confidence.
In simple terms, this point of the DGT theory establishes that on highways and dual carriageways, the maximum speed limits for different types of vehicles are as follows: passenger cars, motorcycles, motorhomes with a maximum authorized mass of 3,500 kg or less, and pick-ups can travel at up to 120 km/h. Trucks, tractor-trailers, vans, motorhomes exceeding 3,500 kg, articulated vehicles, cars with trailers, and other…
Questions here combine speed, lane position and distances: always check whether the road is urban or interurban.
On highways and dual carriageways, the maximum speed limits for different types of vehicles are as follows: passenger cars, motorcycles, motorhomes with a maximum authorized mass of 3,500 kg or less, and pick-ups can travel at up to 120 km/h. Trucks, tractor-trailers, vans, motorhomes exceeding 3,500 kg, articulated vehicles, cars with trailers, and other similar vehicles have a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h, while buses, passenger vehicles, and adaptable mixed vehicles are allowed to travel at up to 100 km/h.
On conventional roads, the speed limits are adjusted to ensure safety. Passenger cars, motorcycles, motorhomes up to 3,500 kg, and pick-ups have a limit of 90 km/h. Trucks, vans, and other larger or articulated vehicles must adhere to a maximum speed of 80 km/h, whereas buses, passenger vehicles, and adaptable mixed vehicles can travel at up to 90 km/h.
On conventional roads with physical separation of the two directions of traffic, the owner of the road may set a maximum speed limit of 100 km/h for cars, motorcycles and motorhomes with a maximum authorised mass equal to or less than 3,500 kg.
The same speed limits established for two-wheeled motorcycles apply to three-wheeled vehicles similar to motorcycles.
In Spanish regulations, different types of roads are distinguished according to their design and safety features. Motorways and dual carriageways are high-capacity roads with controlled access, physically separated carriageways for each direction, and no level crossings, which allows higher speed limits. Conventional roads are those that do not meet these standards; they usually have one lane per direction, junctions at the same level, direct access to properties or rural roads, and a higher risk of head-on collisions, so lower speed limits apply. Finally, there are conventional roads with physical separation between directions, which, although they do not reach motorway standards, offer greater safety than ordinary conventional roads and may allow higher speed limits when authorised by the road authority.
🔗 Read the official text on the BOE (Spanish General Traffic Regulations)❓ Frequently asked questions
What is maximum speeds on roads outside built-up areas?
Does this topic appear in the DGT theory exam?
Where is it regulated (Article 48 (1a))?
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