Traffic Signs in Spain

Our Friends in the N332 (Guardia Civil) have asked that we write an article about when the limitations on traffic signs end or when they cease to be valid.

It is interesting because, most traffic signs apply to all the roads that we drive on, but it is not always so. At times, certain traffic signs indicate limitations, that is to say, they affect only one side of the carriageway or perhaps certain drivers. Therefore, it is necessary to interpret the meaning of all that you are looking at, both the signs and any other corresponding panels and how the combination of various signs work together so that you can take note in advance and behave accordingly.  It is the same for road markings.

Generally, a sign will be followed by another sign indicating a change, but sometimes the signs are placed together.  A frequent case is on motorways when you see a maximum speed sign with a small sign below with a speed restriction, which applies to those leaving the motorway at that exit.

Other times the signs advise below by way of a plate that there is a danger at a future distance ahead to take note of.

When two signs are conjoined, like a red warning triangle placed on a signal showing a speed restriction, they should be read together.
This shows that the maximum speed limit applies whilst the danger is present.

Double signals are also used a great deal when entering a village or in urban areas. In these places, you can often find double signs relating perhaps to prohibiting parking or prohibiting blocking an entry where vehicles have to exit. In these cases, they put them together because the restrictions apply to the whole urban area.

A special case is prohibiting parking or stopping, there can be a multitude of different signs that apply to parking in different zones at different hours etc.

Two Signs, One Message

At times two signs placed vertically one over the other complement each other and send a single message to the driver. For example, a warning triangle sign of a bend over a circular sign saying 40 dictates that there is a 40km/h maximum speed during the dangerous bend.

A triangle sign over a plate with a distance indicates the distance from the sign to the beginning of the perceived danger, such as two roads merging.

A sign showing a bendy road and a distance below, then shows that this is the distance of dangerous curves that are needed to be negotiated.

A red cross on a circular sign with a blue background indicates that from this point stopping and parking is forbidden until the next intersection.

End of Restrictions

The signs that show speed limits and no overtaking are two of the most common signs and on most roads.

No Overtaking Signs – these signs are in place until there appears another black and white sign showing the end of the restriction.

Limitation of Speed, the limitation affects the drivers until one of the following sign appears: end of restrictions, end of limitations, or another maximum speed. If the sign is placed below a danger sign, its effect ends when the danger ends.

Parking, where and when?

We see them every day dotted around our streets. A disc with a blue background and a red border and a red slanting line and we know that it is forbidden to park on the side of the road where it is located. But until where? Always it is until the next junction or intersection. Always? No, just usually. As when there is a disc with one or two while lines inside or “1-15” or “16-31” this means that it only prohibits parking in the first or second part of the month, for example, also it can apply to certain hours, so you need to learn these signs.

Other signs

This sign showing a speed limit of 40km/h together with a curve sign means that once you have passed the bend the limitation ends.

Here you see a 60 speed limit sign meaning that from that point the speed limit is 60. Further on there is a crossing, which we will now see in the second photograph

Many people think that passing this crossing means that the speed limit has ended, but the limit has not ended because the initial 60km sign did not have another sign together with it with a cross sign which would mean that the speed limit would end at the junction, so as there were not two signs together, the limitation continues.

If we can help you with any traffic matters please let us know .

Are you struggling to find genuine, honest, English- speaking legal help in Pilar de la Horadada, Mil Palmeras, Los Alcazares, Torre Pacheco or similar areas?  If so we can help!  Don’t sign anything before talking to us and give you our legal advice. We come to you in an hour!

Please contact Nicola who will arrange a consultation either in our office or should you have problems with travel, we can come to you.

Nicola is originally from Scotland and has been a member of the Spanish Solutions team for 4 years, her areas of work are NIEs, Residencia, Wills and any Traffic matters, Nicola works closely with the expat community here in the Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas.