Order of preference in the absence of signage

Order of preference in the absence of signage is one of the topics in the Priority block of the Spanish DGT theory. Who goes first: right-of-way rules at junctions, roundabouts, narrow sections and special cases. Understanding this section well helps you answer the theory-exam questions on this topic with confidence.

In practice, this comes down to the following:

  • Special vehicles and vehicles under special transport regime that exceed the masses or dimensions set out in the regulations governing vehicles.
  • Set of vehicles, except those contemplated in paragraph
  • Animal-drawn vehicles.
  • Passenger cars towing trailers with a maximum authorised weight of up to 750 kilograms and motorhomes.
  • Vehicles intended for collective transport of passengers.
  • Trucks, tractor-trailers and vans.

In short, the rule makes sure every road user knows what to expect in this situation.

Priority questions use concrete situations (junctions, roundabouts, narrow sections): first work out who has right of way and why.

📜 Reference legal text — Article 62 (1)

Without prejudice to what may be ordered by the authority agent or, where appropriate, indicated by the construction personnel and those accompanying special vehicles or those under special transport regime, the order of preference between the different types of vehicles when one of them has to reverse is as follows:

  • Special vehicles and vehicles under special transport regime that exceed the masses or dimensions established in the regulations governing vehicles.
  • Set of vehicles, except those contemplated in paragraph d).
  • Animal-drawn vehicles.
  • Passenger cars towing trailers with a maximum authorised weight of up to 750 kilograms and motorhomes.
  • Vehicles intended for collective transport of passengers.
  • Trucks, tractor-trailers and vans.
  • Passenger cars and vehicles derived from passenger cars.
  • Special vehicles that do not exceed the masses or dimensions established in the regulations governing vehicles, quadricycles and light quadricycles.
  • Three-wheeled vehicles, motorcycles with sidecars and three-wheeled mopeds.
  • Motorcycles, two-wheeled mopeds and bicycles.

In the case of vehicles of the same type or of cases not listed, the right of way will be decided in favour of the one that has to reverse the greatest distance and, in the event of equality, the one with the greatest width, length or maximum authorised mass.

🔗 Read the official text on the BOE (Spanish General Traffic Regulations)

📚 Related topics

❓ Frequently asked questions

What is order of preference in the absence of signage?
Order of preference in the absence of signage is a DGT theory topic within the «Priority» block, governed by Artículo 62 (1) of the Spanish General Traffic Regulations. Above you will find a simple explanation and the reference legal text.
Does this topic appear in the DGT theory exam?
Yes. Every section of the General Traffic Regulations can appear in the theory exam. To practise with real questions, go to the TraficoTest platform.
Where is it regulated (Article 62 (1))?
This content comes from Article 62 (1) of the Spanish traffic regulations. You can read the official text on the BOE.

🚦 Practise with DGT tests

Already studied the theory? Test yourself with official exam-style questions.

📝 Start with TraficoTest