Spanish speed limits depend on the type of road and the type of vehicle. For the DGT theory test in English, you'll be asked to match the road to its limit again and again — so getting these solid is one of the highest-value things you can do.
The speed limits you must know (cars, Class B)
| Situation | Limit |
|---|---|
| Residential / shared street with pedestrians | 20 km/h |
| Urban road · single lane each direction | 30 km/h |
| Urban road · 2+ lanes each direction | 50 km/h |
| Conventional road (outside town) | 90 km/h |
| Motorway / dual carriageway (autopista/autovía) | 120 km/h |
The city 30 km/h rule
This trips a lot of people up. In towns and cities, the default limit on a road with one lane in each direction is 30 km/h. Roads with two or more lanes in each direction can be 50 km/h. Always read the road layout in the question carefully — the number of lanes changes the answer.
Other points that come up
- Lower limits always win. A posted sign overrides the general limit.
- Minimum speeds exist too — some motorway lanes have a minimum, shown on a blue round sign.
- Towing, vans and other vehicles have their own (usually lower) limits.
- Weather and conditions — you must adapt your speed; "going at the limit" isn't always legal if conditions are poor.
Drill speed limits until they're automatic
Coche Test has dozens of speed-limit questions in English and Spanish, in the real DGT format. Practise until the 5 numbers are second nature.
Start practising free →Want the full picture? Read our guide to the DGT test in English or learn the Spanish road signs in English.