Speed: Limits and General Rules
Speed is one of the most critical factors in road safety. In this topic, we cover the generic limits that must not be exceeded and how to adapt our riding to the circumstances of the road.
1. Generic Maximum Speeds
As motorcycle riders, we must respect the limits established according to the type of road we are traveling on. Below are the maximum speeds that must never be exceeded (unless specific signage indicates otherwise).
Maximum Speed Table
| Type of Road | Max Speed | Observations |
|---|---|---|
| Motorways and Dual Carriageways (Autopistas/Autovías) | 120 km/h | Maximum generic speed. |
| Conventional Roads | 90 km/h | General rule. |
| Conventional roads with physical separation | 100 km/h | Only if the driving directions are clearly separated and delimited. |
| Roads within built-up areas (Urban) | 50 km/h | Generic urban limit. |
| Unpaved roads | 30 km/h | Dirt tracks or forest trails. |
Exam Note: Remember the 100 km/h exception on conventional roads; it is often a trick question. It only applies if there is a clear physical separation between the directions of traffic.
2. Appropriate Speed and Safety
Respecting the numerical limit is not enough; the regulations require riding at an appropriate speed.
- Adaptation: We must take into account the condition of our vehicle (tyres, brakes) and the circumstances of the road (rain, traffic, visibility).
- Stopping distance: We must always be able to stop the motorcycle within our field of vision and before any obstacle that may appear.
3. Minimum Speed and Emergency Situations
Driving at an abnormally reduced speed without justification is just as dangerous as speeding.
- Emergency Signal: If due to force majeure (breakdown, etc.) you cannot reach the minimum required speed for the road and there is a risk of a rear-end collision, you must activate the emergency signal (the 4 indicators/hazard lights) if your motorcycle is equipped with them.
4. Infractions and Penalties
Failure to comply with speed limits leads to financial and administrative sanctions.
- Loss of points: Depending on the severity of the speeding offence, the loss of points can range from 2 to 6 points on your driving licence.