Speed

Speed is a key factor in road safety. As drivers, we are obliged to respect established limits and adapt our speed to the circumstances of the road, weather, and traffic to be able to stop the vehicle safely before any obstacle.

1. General Concepts

For the theory exam, it is fundamental to distinguish between these terms:

• Adequate Speed: It is the safe speed adapted to road circumstances (rain, traffic, layout). It allows stopping the vehicle within the field of vision before an obstacle.
• Limited Speed: Driving within the generic or specific maximum limits allowed.
• Excessive Speed: Driving above established limits (infraction).
• Inadequate Speed: Driving without adapting to circumstances (can be inadequate by excess or defect, even if within legal limits).

2. Maximum Speed Limits

Limits vary depending on the type of vehicle and type of road. Below are the current generic maximum speeds.

Speed Limits Summary Table

Vehicle Type	Motorways and Dual Carriageways	Conventional Roads
Cars and Motorcycles (Includes Pick-ups and motorhomes ≤ 3,500 kg)	120 km/h	90 km/h
Buses (Car-derived vehicles and adaptable mixed vehicles)	100 km/h	90 km/h
Trucks and Vans (Tractor units, vans, motorhomes > 3,500 kg, vehicles with trailers)	90 km/h	80 km/h

⚠️ Important Notes and Exceptions:

• Dangerous Goods: Must reduce specific limits by 10 km/h on all roads (e.g., a truck with dangerous goods on a motorway: 80 km/h).
• School Transport: On conventional roads, reduce by 10 km/h regarding the road's maximum speed.
• Buses with standing passengers: Maximum speed of 80 km/h (regardless of the road).
• Unpaved roads: Maximum speed of 30 km/h.

Overtaking on Conventional Roads

Since the last Traffic Law modification:

• Cars and motorcycles: Can NO LONGER exceed by 20 km/h the maximum speed to overtake on conventional roads. The limit is strict (90 km/h).

3. Speed on Urban Roads and Traverses

In urban areas, speed is drastically reduced to protect pedestrians and vulnerable users.

• General rule on urban roads and traverses: 50 km/h.
• Residential streets (single platform for road and sidewalk): 20 km/h.
• Roads with a single lane per direction: 30 km/h.
• Vehicles with dangerous goods in urban areas: 40 km/h.
• Motorways and Dual Carriageways WITHIN urban areas: The generic limit is 80 km/h (unless signaled otherwise).

4. Prevailing Speed

Priority order determines at what speed we must drive. Signs prevail over general rules:

1. Vertical Signs and Road Markings: If there is a limit sign (e.g., 80), that is the maximum speed, even if the road allows more.
2. Variable Message Signs: Indicate temporary limits due to weather or traffic.
3. Driver/Vehicle Circumstances:
   • If a driver has a medical limitation.
   • If the vehicle is "Special Transport" (with special authorization), they cannot exceed the speed indicated in their authorization.
   • Vehicles with a test/experimentation license: Can exceed the maximum speed by 30 km/h, but only on the fixed itinerary.

5. Adequate Speed and Moderation

It is mandatory to moderate speed and even stop if necessary in the following cases:

• Presence of pedestrians on the road or possibility of them entering.
• Approaching cycles riding in groups or intersections.
• Places with gatherings of children, elderly, or blind people.
• Presence of animals on the road.
• Situations of glare or lack of visibility (fog, heavy rain).
• Approaching stopped buses (danger of passengers getting off).
• When approaching level crossings or roundabouts.

6. Minimum Speeds (Abnormally Reduced Speed)

Driving too slowly without justified cause is dangerous (causes sudden braking and collisions). "Abnormally reduced speed" is considered:

• On Motorways and Dual Carriageways: Driving below 60 km/h.
• On other roads: Driving at a speed lower than half of the generic limit (e.g., on a conventional road of 90, the minimum is 45 km/h).

Exceptions: Driving below these minimums is allowed if:

1. There is justified cause (heavy traffic, bad weather, breakdown).
2. They are special vehicles or escort vehicles (special transport).
3. Protection or safety requires it.