What is the overtaking speed limit on conventional roads in 2021?

As you are surely reading us these days, you will know that the Dirección General de Tráfico (Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic) plans to make many changes to the Traffic Regulations during this year 2021. So, to help you and avoid possible scares in the form of a fine, we are going to review the speed limits for overtaking on conventional roads. Get ready, because there are bends ahead!

First, we want to recall what is understood by conventional roads, because although we may know it, it is important to refresh our ideas from time to time. They are inter-urban roads that are not motorways, expressways, town bypasses or service roads. Unfortunately, these roads are notorious for the large number of traffic accidents that occur on them, and so they have become real “black spots” on the road network.

What is the overtaking speed limit on conventional roads in 2021?

This accident rate occurs because these roads have fewer lanes per direction, some lack hard shoulders, the layout is irregular, they have more bends and numerous entrances and exits to towns, housing estates and even farms. It is also important to mention that accidents happen because these roads have less lighting and are in worse condition than motorways or expressways. Normally, to overtake, you have to enter the opposite lane. All these factors are why the Dirección General de Tráfico is focusing on these roads.

Pere Navarro’s team has approved a package of measures that will come into force on 11 May, aimed at reducing the accident rate on conventional roads. These measures include lowering speed limits both in towns and on inter-urban roads. For example, the speed at which you may drive on roads that pass through towns will be limited to 80 km/h. It is important to highlight that you will no longer be allowed to exceed the overtaking speed limit on inter-urban roads. The DGT has confirmed that you will no longer be able to increase your speed by 20 km/h to overtake on conventional roads.

From now on, drivers will have to lengthen the manoeuvre in both distance and time. The DGT has commented on social media about this measure, stating that “The aim is to avoid overtaking that could endanger road safety on roads where 3 out of every 4 fatal accidents on inter-urban roads occur”.

Hello, the aim is to avoid overtaking that could endanger #roadsafety on roads where 3 out of every 4 fatal accidents on inter-urban roads occur. Regards.

— Dir. Gral. Tráfico (@DGTes) November 17, 2020