Prevailing speeds

Prevailing speeds 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 practice, this comes down to the following:

  • Through the corresponding signals.
  • To certain drivers due to their personal circumstances.
  • To new drivers.
  • To certain vehicles or groups of vehicles due to their special characteristics or the nature of their load.

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

Questions here combine speed, lane position and distances: always check whether the road is urban or interurban.

📜 Reference legal text — Article 52 (1)

The maximum speeds indicated in the previous articles shall prevail over those established:

  • Through the corresponding signals.
  • To certain drivers due to their personal circumstances.
  • To new drivers.
  • To certain vehicles or groups of vehicles due to their special characteristics or the nature of their load.
🔗 Read the official text on the BOE (Spanish General Traffic Regulations)

❓ Frequently asked questions

What is prevailing speeds?
Prevailing speeds is a DGT theory topic within the «Vehicle movement» block, governed by Artículo 52 (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 52 (1))?
This content comes from Article 52 (1) of the Spanish traffic regulations. You can read the official text on the BOE.

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