Spain drives on the right, as in the rest of continental Europe, and most road signs are instantly recognisable. The differences are in the details newcomers are most often fined for: town speed limits depend on the number of lanes, new drivers have their own alcohol limit, and children under 135 cm must travel in a child seat. Below are the rules under the General Traffic Regulation and the Traffic Law as they stand in 2026.
Before you get behind the wheel, sort out two formalities: a non-EU licence is valid in Spain for only six months after you become resident — how to get a Spanish driving licence; the car itself is registered through Tráfico — buying a car as a non-resident.
Speed limits
Limits for cars and motorcycles are set by Articles 48 and 50 of the regulation. Since 11 May 2021, the speed limit in towns depends not on a sign at the town entrance but on the layout of the street.
- 120 km/h — motorways (autopista and autovía).
- 90 km/h — ordinary roads outside towns. Where opposing traffic is physically separated, the road owner may raise the limit to 100.
- 50, 30 and 20 km/h in towns: 50 on streets with two or more lanes in each direction, 30 with one lane, 20 where the carriageway and pavement are on one level. A motorway within a town — 80 km/h.
- 30 km/h — unpaved roads.
- Lorries, vans and vehicles with trailers — 90 on motorways and 80 on ordinary roads.
Drink-driving
- The general limit is 0.5 g/l in the blood or 0.25 mg/l in exhaled air (Article 20 of the regulation).
- For the first two years after getting a licence, and for drivers of lorries, buses, taxis and school transport — 0.3 g/l and 0.15 mg/l.
- A criminal offence — above 1.2 g/l in the blood or 0.60 mg/l in the air (Article 379.2 of the Criminal Code): 3 to 6 months in prison, or a fine, or community service — and in every case a driving ban of more than one and up to four years.
An attempt to lower the general limit to 0.2 g/l failed: on 18 March 2026 a Congress committee voted against the bill. The existing limits still apply.
Fines and points
Under Article 80 of the law, offences fall into three groups: minor — a fine of up to €100, serious — €200, very serious — €500. For many serious and very serious offences, points are also deducted from the driver’s licence.
| Offence | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol over the limit | €500; €1,000 if the limit is exceeded twofold or you were fined for alcohol in the previous year | 4 or 6 |
| Refusing an alcohol or drug test | €1,000 | 6 |
| Holding a phone while driving | €200 | 6 |
| No seat belt, child without a child seat | €200 | 4 |
| Running a red light, ignoring STOP or give way | — | 4 |
| Phone between helmet and head, navigator in hand, headphones | — | 3 |
| Radar detector | — | 3 |
Speeding fines follow a separate table in Annex IV of the law: the amount and points depend on how far the limit was exceeded.
A 50% discount applies if you pay within 20 calendar days from the day after notification (Article 94). Paying with the discount means giving up the right to contest the fine.
Children in the car
- Children up to 135 cm tall travel in a child restraint — a seat or booster suited to their height and weight (Article 117 of the regulation).
- Such a child must sit in the back. In the front only if there are no rear seats, all are taken by other such children, or a child seat cannot be fitted in the back. A rear-facing seat in the front only with the front airbag switched off.
- The penalty is €200 and 4 points.
Other rules that differ from what you may be used to
- Roundabouts. Vehicles already on the roundabout have priority. You leave the roundabout from the outer right-hand lane.
- STOP means a full stop at the stop line, even if the road is empty.
- Age: cars (category B) from 18, mopeds from 15, light motorcycles from 16.
- Paid parking. Zone colours are set by the town hall, and there is no single national rule: in Madrid, for example, the blue zone is open to everyone for up to 4 hours and the green zone is for local residents.
What changes from 1 October 2026
Real Decreto 518/2026 amends the regulation. When overtaking cyclists and other vulnerable road users outside towns, you must slow to at least 20 km/h below the limit. Buses with standing passengers or without seat belts may not exceed 80 km/h outside towns on any road. The 120 and 90 km/h limits for cars do not change.
Another cost people forget when budgeting for a car is fuel: how much petrol costs in Spain and where it is cheaper to fill up.
Frequently asked questions
Which side of the road does Spain drive on?
The right, as in the rest of continental Europe. The steering wheel is on the left and you overtake in the left lane.
What is the maximum speed limit in Spain?
120 km/h on motorways and 90 km/h on ordinary roads outside towns. In towns it is 50, 30 or 20 km/h depending on the number of lanes.
How much can you drink and drive in Spain?
No more than 0.5 g/l of alcohol in the blood or 0.25 mg/l in exhaled air. For the first two years after getting a licence and for professional drivers — 0.3 g/l and 0.15 mg/l.
What is the fine for using a phone while driving in Spain?
€200 and 6 points for holding the phone in your hand. A phone between helmet and head or headphones — 3 points.
Is there a discount on traffic fines in Spain?
Yes, 50% if you pay within 20 calendar days from the day after notification. Paying with the discount means giving up the right to contest.
From what age can a child sit in the front seat?
The rules set no age — height decides. Children up to 135 cm travel in a child seat and in the back; in the front only if there are no rear seats free or a seat cannot be fitted there.
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