Can I drive faster than 30 in the city?
It depends on the street type: on many, the limit is 30. Since the 2021 reform, urban speed limits depend on the number of lanes: on single-lane-per-direction roads (most streets), the general limit is 30 km/h; on single-platform roads (pavement and road at the same level, no kerb), 20 km/h; and on those with two or more lanes per direction, 50 km/h. Town halls can set different limits on specific roads via signage, which always prevails. These limits aim to cut pedestrian collisions and their severity. Exceeding them is fined and, depending on the excess, costs points.
📋 The rules
- Single lane per direction: 30 km/h
- Single platform (pavement and road same level): 20 km/h
- Two or more lanes per direction: 50 km/h
- Specific signage always prevails
- Exceeding the limit: fine and possible loss of points
🔓 Exceptions
- Residential or school zones: even lower signposted limits
- Roads with specific signage setting another limit
- Some through-roads and urban expressways with their own rules
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Driving above the urban limit is an offence fined, with an amount that grows with the speed excess, and beyond a certain margin costs points; very high excesses can even be a crime against road safety. In town, where there are pedestrians, the risk of a serious collision rises sharply with speed, hence the 30 and 20 limits. Always respect each road's specific signage, which may set different limits, and take extra care in school and residential zones.
📎 Official sources
- DGT · Speeds on urban roads →
- BOE · General Traffic Regulations (speed) →
- Administración · Road safety →
❓ Frequently asked
What's the speed limit in the city?
It depends on the street type: 30 km/h on single-lane-per-direction roads, 20 km/h on single-platform roads (pavement and road at the same level) and 50 km/h on roads with two or more lanes per direction. Each road's specific signage always prevails.
Why are some streets 30 and others 50?
Because the limit is set by the number of lanes per direction, to balance traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Single-lane-per-direction streets, more urban and with more pedestrians, are 30; those with two or more lanes per direction are 50.
What is a single-platform road?
A street where the pavement and road are at the same level, with no kerb separating them, so pedestrians and vehicles share the space. There the limit is 20 km/h and the pedestrian has special protection and priority.
How much can I be fined for going over?
The fine increases with the speed excess, and beyond a certain margin you lose licence points. Very high excesses can be a crime against road safety. It's best to respect the limit and, above all, the road's specific signage.
Can the town hall set other limits?
Yes. Town halls can set different limits on specific roads via signage, e.g. lower limits in school or residential zones. The specific sign always prevails over the generic limit, so you must watch the signage.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “30 km/h limit city”
- “speed single lane streets 30”
- “single platform 20 km/h”
- “limit 50 two lanes city”
- “speeding fine city”
- “urban speed limits 2026”