Speed Limits in Spain What are they ??

[HymerVan]

We were in Spain for the first three weeks of June with our sub 3.5 tonne "Fifer". We had a great time especially in the Pecos de Europa mountains but we were conscious of significant roads policing effort by the Guarda Civille Traffico in cars and bikes.

In my preparation I found it difficult to establish what the correct current speed limits are for my vehicle but I think it was a 90kph maximum even on "motorways". I didn't have any actual difficulties (apart from being regularly tailgated by local vehicles).

[Guest JudgeMental]

I think its 90kph also...but not to sure. A nice thing is that campers class1 the same as cars, on toll motorways...France please take note! :-S

[Robinhood]

All the info I can find (various sources) indicate that 90kph is allowed only on motorways.

 

The following (which for Spain is consistent with other sources) might be a useful reference document.

 

(where two limits are shown for non-motorway roads, comparison indicates - to me at least - that the two speeds are for single and dual-carriageway roads respectively).

 

http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/media/7758988/european_speed_limits.pdf

[Brian Kirby]

It is all a bit complicated, so the best answer, I think, will be to follow this link to Wiki, and scroll down for Spain. http://tinyurl.com/azfmlc

 

Then Bruce can tell us if Wiki has it right! :-)

 

However, I'm still unclear whether autovias (the non-toll motorways) are treated as dual carriageways (100KPH) or motorways (120KPH). Note the change to the autopista limit is from 1/7/11, and may be contributing to some confusion. Also, pay attention to the foot-notes! I seem to remember that in Spain a motorhome is a van and not a car, so is presumably subject to the van speed limits.

 

Further useful notes here, especially on autovias. http://tinyurl.com/bnhylny

[BGD]

Be cautious about speed limits over here in Spain, as there are likely to be some changes in the near future:

 

 

On 12th June 2012 Spain's Interior Minister, Jorge Fernández Díaz, announced the government's intention to install variable speed limits on all Spanish motorways and dual-carriageways.

The maximum speed will vary according to weather and traffic conditions.

The minister plans to pass new traffic laws during the second half of the year. He said the government was considering reducing the speed limit on B roads from 100 km/h to 90 as this is where 80% of accidents happen.

He also confirmed that there were plans to bring speed limits on Spanish roads in line with other European speed limits, but would not confirm whether the motorway speed limit would be raised to 130 km/h, although he did confirm that the idea is being discussed.

As well as outlining plans to put electronic variable speed limit panels on the motorways and dual-carriageways (like the overhead gantry ones already in place on lots of UK motorways, eg M25) he said the same system was being considered for minor roads.

On the roads around Barcelona, where variable speed limits have been in force for some time already, the maximum speed can be reduced from 120 km/h to 60 km/h on motorways and major roads, and from 80 km/h to 40 km/h on secondary routes.

 

(All the above speed references are to turismo (car) upper speed limits. Those for vans and lorries are in many cases lower.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

I don't know what the rules are nowadays in the UK, but here in Spain, a motorhome (under 3.5 tonnes max weight) is a " furgonita", ie a van, a light commercial vehicle, NOT a "turismo" (car).

It matters NOT ONE IOTA what your UK V5 document might call your vehicle, or whether under some weird UK regulation, bolting a caravan body on top of a van chassis cab somehow miraculously converts it into a "car".

If you are driving it on Spanish roads, you are required to observe the "fugonita" (van, of less than 3.5 tonnes weight), speed limits.

 

I believe that the current Spanish speed limits are indeed as per the wikipedia reference from Brian, but it is thus the "Van" limit for each type of road in that article that you need to stay below in your UK, sub-3.5 tonne max weight motorhome.

 

[Robinhood]

BGD - 2012-07-08 1:58 PM

 

I believe that the current Spanish speed limits are indeed as per the wikipedia reference from Brian, but it is thus the "Van" limit for each type of road in that article that you need to stay below in your UK, sub-3.5 tonne max weight motorhome.

 

.....which is exactly what it says on the Caravanclub link (which I checked with other sources - such as ADAC) that I posted. ;-)

[BGD]

Robinhood - 2012-07-08 2:07 PM

 

BGD - 2012-07-08 1:58 PM

 

I believe that the current Spanish speed limits are indeed as per the wikipedia reference from Brian, but it is thus the "Van" limit for each type of road in that article that you need to stay below in your UK, sub-3.5 tonne max weight motorhome.

 

.....which is exactly what it says on the Caravanclub link (which I checked with other sources - such as ADAC) that I posted. ;-)

 

 

 

Sorry, but I think there is still some confusion.

In your earlier post you said that the limit (ie van/motorhome limit) on motorways here in Spain is 90kmph.

It is not. It is 100kmph.

 

 

Below is a link to the current Spanish limits...for each type of road mentioned, it is the "Van" limit that sub-3.5 tonne max weight motorhomes must stay below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_limits_in_Spain

[BGD]

Brian - to answer your query on Spanish autovias (motorways) versus autopistas (toll motorways):

 

They are the same thing.

All the rules on speed limits etc are there same on either type of motorway...the only difference is that on the one type you have to pay to travel along it!

 

Basically, any road in Spain with blue signage is a motorway...thus on those the "furgonita" (van, and sub-3.5 tonne max weight motorhome) maximum speed limit is 100 kmph.

 

 

 

 

 

Incidentally, to help others who might not be aware, if you see a Spanish motorway sign or see on your map that a road is classified as "A", that means "Autovia" (non- toll motorway), eg "A7".

But if it says "AP" that means "Autopista peage" (toll-motorway).

 

It's worth watching out for, as many of the motorways across Spain have some toll sections.

The name changes to warn you, eg on the "A7" motorway running down the east coast from France, there are several sections where it's name becomes the "AP7" for a while, and thus you have to pay a toll upon exiting that section.

There's always a junction where you can leave an "A" motorway before it become "AP", but if you are not checking the upcoming gantry signage, it is possible to miss that upcoming change and just cruise on into a toll section.

 

 

[HymerVan]

Thanks for these helpful contributions. Unless I am mistaken The Caravan Club tables "translates" the 90Kph limit on motorways to 62mph whereas if the limit IS 90kph that converts to 56mph.

[Robinhood]

BGD - 2012-07-08 2:17 PM

 

Robinhood - 2012-07-08 2:07 PM

 

BGD - 2012-07-08 1:58 PM

 

I believe that the current Spanish speed limits are indeed as per the wikipedia reference from Brian, but it is thus the "Van" limit for each type of road in that article that you need to stay below in your UK, sub-3.5 tonne max weight motorhome.

 

.....which is exactly what it says on the Caravanclub link (which I checked with other sources - such as ADAC) that I posted. ;-)

 

 

 

Sorry, but I think there is still some confusion.

In your earlier post you said that the limit (ie van/motorhome limit) on motorways here in Spain is 90kmph.

It is not. It is 100kmph.

 

 

Below is a link to the current Spanish limits...for each type of road mentioned, it is the "Van" limit that sub-3.5 tonne max weight motorhomes must stay below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_limits_in_Spain

 

 

.....indeed, there is some confusion. :-S

 

As a resident you are better placed to interpret than most, so I bow to your local knowledge. :-)

 

I can, however, find a number of sources that agree with the CC publication (though, of course, there may be an element of plagiarism here), e.g:

 

http://www.go-motorhoming-and-campervanning.com/European-speed-limits-for-motorhomes-and-caravans.shtml

 

...and, having previously found an ADAC source that agrees with it, searching the ADAC site directly gives different, conflicting, information, :-s viz:

 

http://campingfuehrer.adac.de/ratgeber/files/cam_22_verkehrsbest._gespanne_2011.pdf

 

(scroll down).

 

....though, for Spain, none of the sources quote differential speeds for motorhomes above and below 3.5t.

:-S

 

=====

Edited to add

=====

 

It would appear that there is, or has been, much confusion in Spain on this matter also.

 

Searching on "Autocaravanas Velocidad" indicates that legislation changes in the past few years appear to have left "Autocaravanas" somewhat "stranded" in the definition of speed limits.

 

There are (many) various postings on Spanish sites expressing various opinions as to whether this, that, or the other speed limit subsequently applies.

 

Now, it may be that the definition issue has now been resolved, and I simply am hitting posts that are a couple of years old, but it also may be that confusion still reins.

 

The history certainly goes some way to explaining why different information is available.

 

Nice to see that confusion on motorhome speed limits isn't restricted to the UK. ;-)

[BGD]

I suspect that the confusion is due to two factors (although I am only surmising here):

 

1. Spain is a Federal Country ( a bit like the USA), rather than being a unitary State (like England).

The 17 Semi-autonomous regions that make up Spain have varying degrees of self-governing authority.

Until fairly recently (maybe 15 years ago?) some of the regions autonomous powers included the ability to set/modify some traffic regulations within their region, including some speed limits.

Although those speed limit setting autonomies have now been taken away, and replaced with the national control of the DGT (Direccion General de Trafico), an awful lot of people....mainly older people.... still remember/believe/would like to believe the prior situation in their region.

 

2. Many speed limits in Spain were altered last year, for a temporary period (of about 4 months?), in order to reduce the amount of road fuel used across the country. This did nothing to clarify the situation; and the subsequent reversion to the prior limits caused yet further confusion!

 

 

As I mentioned above, the waters may well be even further muddied next year by yet more nationwide speed limit changes!......which are being debated at present.

 

 

 

 

Everything I have seen/read/been told here is that motorhomes are without question classed as "furgonitas" (vans/light commercial vehicles). NOT as cars, and NOT as lorries (unless over 3.5 tonnes max weight) but as vans.

They are matriculated (registered) as such. They are taxed by local town halls as such. They are insured as such. If imported secondhand they are import-dutied as such.

 

Makes sense when you simply look at one. It is blindingly obviously a van; with a caravan body bolted on the back....and that goes for what the Police see, as well as the registration and taxation authorities here.

 

[Guest JudgeMental]

when on recent trip to Spain one of my books, cant remember which, but maybe the ACSI guide said campers restricted to 90kph so that it what I went by, whatever the signs said..Have had run in with spanish police in the past and have been escorted to a cash point *-)

[BGD]

PEDANT ALERT!

 

As an alternative to dying of boredom watching the dour Scot on the TV this afternoon, I've managed to track down my copy of the actual definitive Spanish DGT Director General's instructions on the subject of Motorhomes, which includes their instructions to the Police and all subsidiary authorities across Spain on which vehicle Category they are to be classed as.........as "M1 vehiculos especiales"........as a special type of van.

 

The document also confirms the applicable speed limits for motorhomes on the various types of roads in Spain

 

 

 

Here's the actual document for anyone who wants it; first in Spanish and then in English.

Bearing in mind that Trafico Police all across Spain report to the Director General de Trafico and thus must do what he tells them, it might just be worth printing off both versions to keep in your MH if planning to come to Spain:-

 

 

 

 

 

Instrucción 08/V-74

 

Asunto: Autocaravanas

Instrucción 08/V-74

El constante crecimiento que ha experimentado en los últimos años el movimiento del autocaravanismo en

España y la falta de una regulación específica de algunos aspectos relacionados con esta actividad, motivaron la

aprobación en el Pleno del Senado de una Moción instando al Gobierno a tomar medidas necesarias para apoyar

el desarrollo de ésta práctica y regular el uso de las autocaravanas.

Por este motivo, la Dirección General de Tráfico ha entendido necesario recopilar e interpretar en un único

documento todos aquellos aspectos normativos que, relacionados con el autocaravanismo, se recogen en la

legislación sobre tráfico y vehículos a motor.

 

1.- CONCEPTO

El anexo II del Reglamento General de Vehículos, aprobado por Real Decreto 2822/1998, de 23 de diciembre,

define a la autocaravana como “vehículo construido con propósito especial, incluyendo alojamiento vivienda, y

conteniendo, al menos, el equipo siguiente: asientos y mesa, camas y literas que puedan ser convertidos en

asientos, cocina y armarios o similares. Este equipo estará rígidamente fijado al compartimiento vivienda. Los

asientos y la mesa pueden ser diseñados para ser desmontados fácilmente.”

Ésta y otras definiciones de vehículos son fruto de la transposición de las Directivas vigentes en la materia.

Concretamente la Directiva 2001/116/CE de la Comisión, de 20 de diciembre de 2001 por la que se adapta al

progreso técnico la Directiva 70/156/CEE del Consejo relativa a la aproximación de las legislaciones de los

Estados miembros sobre la homologación de vehículos a motor y sus remolques, en el punto 5.1 de la sección A

del anexo II se refiere a la autocaravana como “todo vehículos especial de categoría M fabricado de modo que

incluya una zona habitable con el equipo mínimo siguiente: asientos y mesa, camas que pueden formarse por

conversión de los asientos, cocina, armarios. Este equipamiento estará sujeto firmemente en la zona habitable;

aunque la mesa podrá diseñarse para quitarla con facilidad.”

Se trata de vehículos de la categoría M (“vehículos de motor con al menos cuatro ruedas, diseñados y

fabricados para el transporte de pasajeros”) y aunque la Directiva (116/2001/CEE) no lo dice expresamente

puede inferirse que al tener capacidad para ocho plazas, como máximo, (excluida la del conductor), nos

encontramos ante vehículos de la categoría M1. Sin embargo, el punto 1 de la sección C del anexo II de la

citada Directiva 2001/116/CE, al referirse a los tipos de carrocería de los vehículos de turismo (M1), menciona

los siguientes: AA Berlina, AB Berlina con portón trasero, AC Familiar (“break”), AD Cupé, AE Descapotable y AF

Multiuso, no refiriéndose a las autocaravanas en el citado punto 1, sino en el punto 5, dentro de otra categoría

de vehículos que denomina “vehículos especiales”.(1)

Así pues, admitiendo que se trata de vehículos de categoría M1, su carrocería no está incluida en los tipos

previstos para los turismos sino en los denominados “vehículos especiales”, lo cual no es de extrañar dado

están construidos sobre el chasis de vehículos comerciales utilizados comúnmente para la fabricación de

furgones y camiones ligeros, su longitud oscila habitualmente entre los 5,50 m. Y los 8,00, su altura media está

en torno a los 3,00 m. y su masa máxima autorizada es muy frecuentemente de 3.500 kg. y en algunos casos

superior, características constructivas que nada tienen que ver con un turismo medio y que inciden en su

maniobrabilidad, en la distancia de frenado, comportamiento en los giros, etc.

Por todo ello, sin perjuicio de la existencia de furgones de serie cuyo interior ha sido acondicionado como

vivienda comúnmente conocidos como “camper”, puede concluirse que las autocaravanas son normalmente

“vehículos especiales de la categoría M1”, a cuya existencia se refiere, entre otros, el artículo 2.2 de la directiva

2001/116/CE de la comisión, distintos de los turismos y acreedores por tanto de una regulación específica en

algunos aspectos puntuales como es el caso de la determinación de sus velocidades máximas en vías fuera de

poblado. Por el contrario, en otros aspectos como circulación, parada y estacionamiento, se rigen por las

normas aplicables con carácter general a todos los vehículos.

MINISTERIO DEL INTERIOR

 

2.- VELOCIDADES MAXIMAS

El artículo 48.1 a) del Reglamento General de Circulación, aprobado por Real Decreto 1428/2003, de 21 de

noviembre establece para los automóviles las velocidades máximas en vías fuera de poblado conforme al

siguiente tenor:

“a) Para automóviles:

1º En autopistas y autovías: turismos y motocicletas 120 Km/h; autobuses, vehículos derivados de turismo y

vehículos mixtos adaptables, 100 Km/h; camiones, vehículos articulados, tractocamiones, furgones y

Automoviles con remolque de hasta 750 Kg., 90 Km/h; restantes automóviles con remolque: 80 Km/h.

2º En carreteras convencionales señalizadas como vías para automóviles y en el resto de carreteras

convencionales siempre que estas últimas tengan un arcén pavimentado de 1,50 metros o más de anchura, o

más de un carril para alguno de los sentidos de circulación: Turismos y motocicletas 100 Km/h; autobuses,

vehículos derivados de turismo y vehículos mixtos adaptables, 90 Km/h; camiones, vehículos articulados,

tractocamiones, furgones y automóviles con remolque 80 Km/h.

3º En el resto de las vías fuera de poblado: turismos y motocicletas 90 Km/h; autobuses, vehículos derivados

de turismo y vehículos mixtos adaptables, 80 Km/h; camiones, vehículos articulados, tractocamiones, furgones

y automóviles con remolque, 70 Km/h.

4º En cualquier tipo de vía donde esté permitida su circulación: vehículos de tres ruedas y cuadriciclos, 70

Km/h”

Siendo las autocaravanas “vehículos especiales de categoría M1” distintos de los turismos se considera

justificado no aplicarles los mismos límites de velocidad fuera de poblado que a este tipo de vehículos, sino

aquellos correspondientes a otros vehículos de categoría M (destinados al transportes de personas), lo que

daría lugar a los siguientes límites de velocidad:

- En autopistas y autovías.......................................... .................. 100 Km/h

- En carreteras convencionales señalizadas como vías para automóviles y carreteras con arcén pavimentado de

al menos 1,50 m. De anchura o más de un carril para alguno de los sentidos de la

circulación....................................... ........................................... 90 Km/h

- En el resto de las vías fuera de poblado.................................... 80 Km/h

Estos límites de velocidad serían aplicables a las autocaravanas que circulen sin remolque, clasificadas en su

tarjeta ITV con los siguientes códigos:

- 3148 (vehículo mixto vivienda)

- 3200 (autocaravana sin especificar de MMA menor o igual a 3.500 Kg.)

- 3248 (autocaravana vivienda de MMA menor o igual a 3.500 Kg.)

Las autocaravanas clasificadas con los códigos:

- 3300 (autocaravana sin especificar de MMA mayor de 3.500 Kg.)

- 3348 (autocaravana vivienda de MMA mayor de 3.500 Kg.)

- 2448 (furgón vivienda)

Se regirían por los mismos límites de velocidad aplicables a los camiones (por razón de su masa máxima

autorizada) y al resto de los furgones: 90 Km/h en autopistas y autovías, y 80 Km/h en carreteras

convencionales.

En vías urbanas serán de aplicación a las autocaravanas, cualquiera que sea su código de clasificación, al igual

que al resto de los vehículos en general el límite de velocidad genérico de 50 Km/h, en los términos previstos

en el artículo 50 del Reglamento General de Circulación.

 

3.- PARADA Y ESTACIONAMIENTO

Bajo el título “Parada y estacionamiento”, el Reglamento General de Circulación regula en su capítulo VIII

(artículos 90 a 94), las normas aplicables a estas maniobras, relativas a lugares en que deben efectuarse, modo

y forma de ejecución, colocación del vehículo, ordenanzas municipales y lugares prohibidos, que deberán ser

observadas por todos los vehículos con carácter general.

3.1 vías urbanas

En relación con los lugares en que deben efectuarse la parada y el estacionamiento en vías urbanas, al artículo

90.2 del Reglamento General de Circulación indica en su párrafo segundo que deberá observarse al efecto lo

dispuesto en las ordenanzas que dicten las autoridades municipales, en relación con las cuales el artículos 93

dice lo siguiente:

“1. El régimen de parada y estacionamiento en vías urbanas se regulará por ordenanza municipal, y podrán

adoptarse las medidas necesarias para evitar el entorpecimiento del tráfico, entre ellas, limitaciones horarias de

duración del estacionamiento, así como las medidas correctoras precisas, incluida la retirada del vehículo o su

inmovilización cuando no se halle provisto del título que habilite el estacionamiento en zonas limitadas en

tiempo, o excedan de la autorización concedida hasta que se logre la identificación del conductor.

2. En ningún caso podrán las ordenanzas municipales oponerse, alterar, desvirtuar, o inducir a confusión con

los preceptos de este reglamento.”

Una de las quejas que con mayor frecuencia se formulan ante esta Dirección General de Tráfico por los usuarios

de autocaravanas es la prohibición de estacionamiento aplicable a estos vehículos en parte o en la totalidad de

las vías urbanas que algunos ayuntamientos incorporan a sus ordenanzas.

Estas regulaciones se realizan al amparo del artículo 7 del texto articulado de la Ley sobre Tráfico, Circulación

de Vehículos a Motor y Seguridad Vial, aprobado por Real Decreto Legislativo 339/1990, de 2 de marzo, que

atribuye a los municipios, en el ámbito de esa Ley, una serie de competencias, y entre ellas:

“b) La regulación mediante Ordenanza Municipal de Circulación, de los usos de las vías urbanas, haciendo

compatible la equitativa distribución de los aparcamientos entre todos los usuarios, con la necesaria fluidez del

tráfico rodado, así como el establecimiento de medidas de estacionamiento limitado, con el fin de garantizar la

rotación de los aparcamientos, ...”

Por ello, a juicio de esta Dirección General de Tráfico es indiscutible que la exclusión de determinados usuarios

debe ser necesariamente motivada y fundamentada en razones objetivas como pueden ser las dimensiones

exteriores de un vehículos o su masa máxima autorizada, pero no por su criterio de construcción o utilización ni

por razones subjetivas como pueden ser los posibles comportamientos incívicos de algunos usuarios tales como

ruidos nocturnos, vertido de basura o de aguas usadas a la vía pública, monopolización del espacio público

mediante la colocación de estructuras y enseres u otras situaciones de abuso contra las cuales las autoridades

locales disponen de herramientas legales eficaces que deben ser utilizadas de forma no discriminatoria contra

todos los infractores, ya sean usuarios de autocaravanas o de cualquier otro tipo de vehículo.

Las autocaravanas pueden, por tanto, efectuar las maniobras de parada y estacionamiento en las mismas

condiciones y con las mismas limitaciones que cualquier otro vehículo.

Respecto al modo y forma de ejecución de la parada y el estacionamiento, el artículo 91 del Reglamento

General de Circulación establece que estas maniobras “deberán efectuarse de tal manera que el vehículo no

obstaculice la circulación ni constituya un riesgo para el resto de los usuarios de la vía, cuidando especialmente

la colocación del vehículo y evitar que pueda ponerse en movimiento en ausencia del conductor.”

En cuanto a la colocación del vehículo el artículo 92 del citado Reglamento General de Circulación establece lo

siguiente:

“1.La parada y el estacionamiento se realizarán situando el vehículo paralelamente al borde de la calzada. Por

excepción, se permitirá otra colocación cuando las características de la vía u otras circunstancias así lo

aconsejen.

2. Todo conductor que pare o estacione su vehículo deberá hacerlo de forma que permita la mejor utilización

del restante espacio disponible.

3. Cuando se trate de un vehículo a motor o ciclomotor y el conductor tenga que dejar su puesto, deberá

observar, además, en cuanto le fuesen de aplicación, las siguientes reglas:

a) Parar el motor y desconectar el sistema de arranque y, si se alejara del vehículo, adoptar las precauciones

necesarias para impedir su uso sin autorización.

b) Dejar accionado el freno de estacionamiento.

c) En un vehículo provisto de caja de cambios, dejar colocada la primera velocidad, en pendiente ascendente, y

la marcha hacia atrás, en descendente, o, en su caso, la posición de estacionamiento.

d) Cuando se trate de un vehículo de más de 3.500 kilogramos de masa máxima autorizada, de un autobús o

de un conjunto de vehículos y la parada o el estacionamiento se realice en un lugar con una sensible pendiente,

su conductor deberá, además, dejarlo debidamente calzado, bien sea por medio de la colocación de calzos, sin

que puedan emplear a tales fines elementos como piedras u otros no destinados de modo expreso a dicha

función, bien por apoyo de una de las ruedas directrices en el bordillo de la acera, inclinando aquéllas hacia el

centro de la calzada en las pendientes ascendentes, y hacia fuera en las pendientes descendentes. Los calzos,

una vez utilizados, deberán ser retirados de las vías al reanudar la marcha.”

No establece el Reglamento General de Circulación otras condiciones que deban cumplirse al efectuar la parada

o el estacionamiento de un vehículo, por lo que esta Dirección General de Tráfico considera que mientras un

vehículo cualquiera está correctamente estacionado, sin sobrepasar las marcas viales de delimitación de la zona

de estacionamiento, ni la limitación temporal del mismo, si la hubiere, no es relevante el hecho de que sus

ocupantes se encuentren en el interior del mismo y la autocaravana no es una excepción, bastando con que la

actividad que pueda desarrollarse en su interior no trascienda al exterior mediante el despliegue de elementos

que desborden el perímetro del vehículo tales como tenderetes, toldos, dispositivos de nivelación, soportes de

estabilización, etc.

3.2 vías interurbanas

El artículo 90.1 del Reglamento General de Circulación define los lugares en los que deben efectuarse las

paradas y los estacionamientos en vías interurbanas señalando que deberá hacerse fuera de la calzada, en el

lado derecho de ésta, dejando libre la parte transitable del arcén.

También con carácter general en autopistas y en autovías están prohibidas las maniobras de parada y

estacionamiento para todos los vehículos, salvo en zonas especialmente habilitadas para ello.

Son de aplicación a la parada y el estacionamiento en vías interurbanas las normas relativas al modo y forma

de ejecución contenidos en el artículo 91 del Reglamento General de Circulación recogido en el punto anterior,

así como las consideraciones hechas en relación con el estacionamiento en vías urbanas acerca de la presencia

de personas en el interior del vehículo correctamente estacionado, ello sin perjuicio de la posibilidad de

estacionar en áreas de estaciones de servicio o en terrenos privados con cuyos titulares puedan acordarse otras

condiciones.

Otros conceptos de alguna manera asociados al estacionamiento de autocaravanas como el de acampada y

pernocta no tienen acogida en la normativa sobre, circulación de vehículos a motor y seguridad vial, por lo que

este organismo no puede pronunciarse sobre su definición ni sobre sus implicaciones.

 

4.- USO DE CINTURONES DE SEGURIDAD Y DISPOSITIVOS DE RETENCIÓN

Se utilizará el cinturón de seguridad u otros sistemas de retención debidamente homologados, correctamente

abrochados, por el conductor y los pasajeros de las autocaravanas tanto en vías urbanas como interurbanas.

El incumplimiento de esta obligación por determinadas personas en función de su talla y edad se ajustará a las

siguientes prescripciones:

1.- Asientos delanteros: Queda prohibido circular con menores de doce años en los asientos delanteros salvo

que utilicen dispositivos homologados al efecto. Excepcionalmente, cuando su estatura sea igual o superior a

135 centímetros, los menores de doce años podrán utilizar como tal dispositivo el propio cinturón de seguridad

para adultos de que están dotados los asientos delanteros.

2.- Otros asientos: Las personas cuya estatura alcance los 135 centímetros y no supere los 150 centímetros,

podrán utilizar indistintamente un dispositivo de retención homologado adaptado a su talla y peso o el cinturón

de seguridad para adultos del que estén provistos estos asientos.

3.- En las autocaravanas que no estén provistas de dispositivos de seguridad homologados especialmente

adaptados a la talla y peso de sus usuarios no podrán viajar niños menores de tres años de edad y los mayores

de tres años que no alcancen los 135 centímetros, no podrán ocupar un asiento delantero.

Las normas expuestas excluyen por completo la posibilidad de ocupación de las camas o literas de una

autocaravana en circulación, dado además el evidente riesgo para sus ocupantes en el caso de frenada brusca,

vuelco o colisión, sin embargo si podrán ocuparse los asientos equipados con sistemas de retención

homologados, utilizando dichos sistemas, siempre que el número de personas que viajen en el vehículo, tanto

en la cabina como en el habitáculo vivienda, no exceda de las plazas legalmente autorizadas que consten en la

documentación de dicho vehículo.

 

5.- EQUIPAMIENTO

En cuanto a la dotación que como mínimo deben llevar las autocaravanas, será conforme al anexo XII del

Reglamento General de Vehículo, la siguiente: Un juego de lámparas de las luces que esté obligado a llevar, en

estado de servicio y herramientas indispensables para el cambio de lámparas, dos dispositivos portátiles de

preseñalización de peligro, una rueda de repuesto o una rueda temporal con las herramientas necesarias para e

cambio de ruedas o sistema alternativo para el cambio de las mismas que ofrezca suficientes garantías para la

movilidad del vehículo.

Así mismo, cuando sus conductores salgan del vehículo y ocupen la calzada o el arcén en vías interurbanas

deberán utilizar un chaleco reflectante de alta visibilidad, certificado según el Real Decreto 1407/1992, de 20 de

noviembre.

 

6.- INSPECCIÓN TÉCNICA

Conforme al Real Decreto 711/2006, de 9 de junio, por el que se modifican determinados reales decretos

relativos a la inspección técnica de vehículos y a la homologación de vehículos, sus partes y piezas y se

modifica, así mismo, el Reglamento General de Vehículos, aprobado por Real Decreto 2822/1998, de 23 de

diciembre, se aplica la siguiente frecuencia de inspección a las autocaravanas y a los vehículos vivienda.

“Antigüedad:

- Hasta cuatro años: exento.

- De más de cuatro años: bienal

- De más de diez años: anual”

 

 

7.- ÁREAS DE SERVICIO O DE ACOGIDA

Se trata de instalaciones específicamente concebidas para dar servicio o acogida a las autocaravanas facilitando

una serie de servicios necesarios para estos vehículos, fundamentalmente: estacionamiento, suministro de

agua potable y lugar para el vaciado de depósitos.

A diferencia de los campamentos de turismo, las áreas de servicio o acogida proporcionan el espacio físico

estrictamente necesario para estacionar el vehículo y pueden ser de titularidad pública o privada.

Se tiene conocimiento de la existencia de unas 60 instalaciones de este tipo en España, para las cuales, a

través de la Moción por el Pleno del Senado el 9 de mayo de 2006, se insta al Gobierno a la creación de una

señal de circulación dentro del apartado de señales de servicio.

Esta Dirección General de Tráfico considera que, sin perjuicio del futuro diseño e inclusión en el catálogo oficial

de señales de una señal específica que indique la ubicación de un área de servicio o de acogida de

autocaravanas, en la actualidad la señal S-122 “otros servicios” del catálogo oficial de señales de circulación

incorporado al anexo I del Reglamento General de Circulación permiten, mediante la inclusión de un sencillo

pictograma, dar satisfacción a esta necesidad.

 

8.- TRANSPORTE DE VEHÍCULOS AUXILIARES

Es muy frecuente el transporte por las autocaravanas de vehículos auxiliares, normalmente bicicletas, un

ciclomotor o una motocicleta de pequeña cilindrada. Esta práctica está autorizada siempre que se utilice un

portabicicletas homologado o una plataforma destinada a esta finalidad y, cuando sobresalga de la proyección

en planta de la autocaravana, se cumplan los siguientes requisitos conforme a lo dispuesto en el artículos 15

del Reglamento General de Circulación.

Que sobresalga de la proyección en planta de la autocaravana, por la parte posterior, hasta un 10% de su

longitud y si fuera un solo vehículo (carga indivisible), un 15%.

Que se adopten todas las precauciones convenientes para evitar daños o peligros a los demás usuarios de la vía

pública, debiendo ir resguardada la extremidad saliente para aminorar los efectos de un roce o choque posibles.

Deberá señalizarse por medio de la señal V-20 a que se refiere el artículo 173 y cuyas características se

establecen en el anexo XI del Reglamento General de Vehículos. Esta señal se colocará en el extremo posterior

de la carga de manera que quede constantemente perpendicular al eje del vehículo.

Se han formulado también consultas en relación con la posibilidad de que una autocaravana circule remolcando

a un turismo, dicha posibilidad está prohibida en el artículo 9.3 del Reglamento General de Vehículos que no

permite la circulación de un vehículo a motor arrastrando a otro, salvo que ése se encuentre averiado o

accidentado y no pueda ser arrastrado por otro específicamente destinado a tal fin, en cuyo caso se permite su

arrastre hasta la localidad o lugar más próximo donde pueda quedar inmovilizado sin entorpecer la circulación y

siempre que no se circule por autopista o autovía.

Sin perjuicio de lo anterior, la circulación de un conjunto de vehículos integrado por una autocaravana y un

remolque o semirremolque sobre el cual se transporte otro vehículo, está permitida si el conjunto reúne las

condiciones para la circulación por las vías públicas y está homologado conforme a las Directivas 70/156/CEE y

94/20/CEE y además no supere la longitud máxima autorizada para estos conjuntos que es de 18,75 metros

para los remolques y 16,50 metros para los semirremolques.

Lo que se hace público para general conocimiento.

 

Madrid, 28 de Enero de 2008

EL DIRECTOR GENERAL

Pere Navarro Olivilla

 

A TODAS LAS UNIDADES DEL ORGANISMO

__________________

 

...........................................................................................................................................................................................

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instrucción 08/V-74 (In English)

 

INSTRUCTION 08/V-74 FROM THE SPANISH DIRECTOR GENERAL OF TRAFFIC RELATIVE TO MOTORHOMES

 

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

 

 

 

Instruction 08/V-74

 

The steady growth that has been experienced in recent years in the use of motorhomes in Spain together with the lack of specific regulation of some aspects related to this activity, has led to the adoption at the plenary session of the Senate for a motion urging the Government to take the necessary measures to support the development of this practice and regulate the use of motorhomes.

 

For this reason, the Director General of Traffic has recognised the need to collect and interpret in a single document, all regulatory aspects that relate to motorhomes, and to include in traffic and motor vehicle legislation.

 

1. - CONCEPT

 

Annex II of the General Rules of Vehicles, approved by Royal Decree 2822/1998, of December 23, defines a motor home as "a special purpose vehicle built, including living accommodation, and containing at least the following equipment: seats and table, beds and bunk beds that can be converted into seats, kitchen and wardrobes or the like. This equipment will be permanently fixed or attached to the living compartment. The seats and the table can be designed to be easily disassembled. "

 

This and other definitions of “vehicles” are the result of the disappearance of any existing guidelines on the matter. Specifically the Commission Directive 2001/116/EC of 20 December 2001 by which technical progress is adapted to Ruling 70/156/EEC on the approximation of laws of Member States concerning the approval of motor vehicles and trailers, paragraph 5.1 of section A of Annex II refers to a motorhome as "any special category M vehicle manufactured to include accommodation with the following minimum equipment: seats and table, beds that may be converted from the seats, kitchen and wardrobes. This equipment will be firmly fixed or attached to the habitable zone, although the table may be designed to be easily removable."

 

Category M vehicles are "motor vehicles with at least four wheels, designed and manufactured for the transportation of passengers" and although the Ruling (116/2001/CEE) does not say so explicitly, it can be inferred that if having a maximum capacity for eight seats (excluding the driver), we are referring to M1 vehicles. However, section 1 of section C of Annex II Instruction 2001/116/EC, referring to the types of bodywork of passenger cars (M1), mentions the following: AA saloon, AB saloon with a rear hatch, AC shooting brake, AD coupé, AE Convertible and AF Multi Use, not referring to Motorhomes in the said paragraph 1, but does so in paragraph 5, within another category of vehicles called "special vehicles" (1).

 

Therefore, allowing that it deals with vehicles of category M1, the body/coachwork is not included in the category for passenger cars but in the category of so-called "special vehicles", which is not surprising since they are built on the chassis of commercial vehicles used commonly for the manufacture of vans and light trucks, where the length typically ranges between 5.50m. and 8m, the average height is around 3m. and the maximum permissible weight is very frequently 3,500 kg, and in some cases even more, characteristics that have nothing to do with the usual passenger car, and which affects manoeuvrability, braking distance, behaviour, turning, etc.

 

Therefore, notwithstanding the existence of a series of vans, where the interior has been conditioned with accommodation, commonly known as "Camper", it can be concluded that motorhomes are normally "special purpose vehicles of category M1", whose existence is referred to, among others, in Article 2.2 of the Instruction 2001/116/EC of the commission, thus are different to passenger cars and therefore worthy of specific regulation in some precise areas such as in determining the maximum speed limits on roads outside of town. However, in other aspects such as circulation, stopping and parking, motorhomes are governed by the rules applicable in general to all motor vehicles.

 

2. - MAXIMUM SPEED

 

Article 48.1 a) General Rules of Circulation, approved by Royal Decree 1428/2003, of November 21 establishes the speed limits for motor vehicles on main roads out of towns under the following terms:

 

A) Motor Vehicles

 

1.On motorways and freeways (autovias): passenger cars and motorcycles 120km/h; buses, vehicles derived from passenger cars and adapted hybrid vehicles, 100km/h; lorries, articulated vehicles, tractor lorries, vans and passenger cars with trailers of up to 750 kg., 90 Km/h; remaining passenger cars with trailer: 80 km/h.

 

2.On conventional roads marked as freeways (autovias) and on the rest of conventional roads as long as these have a hard shoulder of 1.50m. or more in width, or more than one lane for one of the directions of traffic: passenger cars and motorcycles, 100 Km/h; buses, vehicles derived from passenger cars and adapted hybrid vehicles, 90 Km/h; lorries, articulated vehicles, tractor lorries, vans and passenger cars with trailers 80km/h.

 

3.On the rest of roads out of town: passenger cars and motorcycles 90 Km/h: buses, vehicles derived from passenger cars and adapted hybrid vehicles, 80km/h, lorries, articulated vehicles, tractor lorries, vans and passenger cars with trailers 70km/h.

 

4.On any kind of road where circulation of such vehecles is permitted: three wheel vehicles and quads, 70 km/h.

 

As motorhomes are “special category M1 vehicles" and different to passenger cars, it is considered justified not to apply the same speed limits, outside of town, as passenger cars, but to apply the speed limits for other vehicles of category M (destined for the transport of passengers), which results in the following speed limits:

 

- On motorways and freeways .................................................. ............. 100 Km/h

 

- On conventional roads marked as roads for motor vehicles and roads with a hard shoulder of at least 1,50m. width or with more than one lane for one of the directions of traffic .................................................. .................................................. ..... 90 Km/h

 

- On the rest of roads, out of town .................................................. .......... 80 Km/h

 

The above speed limits apply to motorhomes which are driven without trailers, classified on their ITV card with the following codes:

- 3148 (mixed vehicle/accommodation)

- 3200 (unspecified motorhome with MMA less than or equal to 3,500 kg.)

- 3248 (motorhome with accommodation with MMA less than or equal to 3,500 kg.)

 

Motorhomes classified with codes:

- 3300 (unspecified motorhome with MMA over 3,500 Kg.)

- 3348 (motorhome with accommodation with MMA over 3,500 Kg.)

- 2448 (Van with accommodation)

will be governed by the same speed limits as for lorries (on account of their higher maximum permissible weight ( MMA) and other vans; thus their speed limits are 90 Km/h on motorways and freeways, and 80 km/h on conventional roads.

 

On urban roadways, regardless of the classification code, motorhomes will be subject to the general speed limit for all vehicles of 50km/h, as stipulated in Article 50 of the General Traffic Regulations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. - STOPPING AND PARKING

 

Under the heading "Stopping and parking," the General Traffic Regulations regulate in Chapter VIII (Articles 90 to 94), the rules applicable to these manoeuvres, regarding places where these manoeuvres can be made, method and form of execution, position of vehicle, Municipal Ordinance and prohibited places, which must be observed by all vehicles in general.

 

3.1 urban roadways

 

Regarding places where stopping and parking in urban streets should be carried out, Article 90.2 of the General Traffic Regulations indicate in the second paragraph what should be observed in effect of the provisions of the ordinances decreed by the Municipal Authorities, in connection with which Article 93 states:

 

1. The regime of stopping and parking in urban streets will be regulated by municipal ordinance, and the necessary measures may be taken to prevent the obstruction of traffic, including time limits for the duration of parking or stopping, as well as the precise corrective measures, including the clamping or towing of the vehicle when a valid parking ticket is not displayed which authorises parking in zones limited by time or exceed the time limit granted and until the identity of the driver can be ascertained.

 

2. In no event may the municipal ordinance oppose, alter, distort, or cause confusion with the precepts of this regulation.

 

One of the most frequent complaints made before the Traffic Department by users of motorhomes is the prohibition to park which is applied to these vehicles, in part or in entirety, on the urban streets and which some municipalities incorporate into their ordinances.

 

These regulations are made under Article 7 of the articles of the Law on Traffic, Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety, approved by Royal Decree 339/1990 of March 2, which give municipalities a series of competencies, within that law, including the regulation by Municipal Traffic Ordinances on the use of urban roads, making compatible the fair distribution of parking among all users, with the necessary flow of traffic, as well as the establishment of limited parking, to ensure the rotation of parking, ..”

 

Therefore, in the opinion of the General Director of Traffic it is indisputable that the exclusion of certain users must be necessarily motivated and based on reasonable objections such as the external dimensions of the vehicle or the maximum permissible weight (MMA) of the vehicle but NOT by use of subjective reasons such as: possible uncivilised behaviour by some users such as noise at night, dumping of garbage or waste water onto the public road, monopolization of public space by erecting structures and furnishings or other situations of abuse against which local authorities have effective legal tools to be used in a non-discriminatory manner against all violators, whether they be users of motorhomes or any other type of vehicle.

 

Motorhome users are permitted to carry out manoeuvres of stopping and parking in the same conditions and with the same limitations as any other vehicle.

 

With regard to the mode and manner of implementation of stopping and parking, Article 91 of the General Traffic Regulations states that these exercises "should be made so that the vehicle does not hamper the circulation of traffic nor is a risk to other users the road, especially observing the positioning of the vehicle and avoiding that the vehicle is able to move in the absence of the driver.

 

As to the positioning of the vehicle, the cited Article 92 of the General Traffic Regulations state:

 

1. Stopping and parking will be conducted by placing the vehicle in parallel to the kerb of the street or roadway. As an exception, an alternative positioning will be permitted when the characteristics of the street or roadway or other circumstances so warrant.

 

2. Any driver who stops or parks the vehicle must do so in a way that allows a maximum use of the remaining space available.

 

3. In the case of a motor vehicle or motorcycle, when the driver has to abandon the vehicle, the following rules should be observed, where applicable:

a) Stop the engine and disconnect the ignition and, if leaving the vehicle, take the necessary precautions to prevent its unauthorized use.

b) Engage the hand-brake.

c) In a vehicle equipped with gearbox, leave the first gear engaged if parked on an upward slope, and the reverse gear engaged if parked on downward slope, or, in the parking position if automatic

d) When the vehicle is superior to 3,500 kilograms of maximum permissible weight (MMA), a bus or coach or a combination of vehicles, and when stopping or parking is conducted in a place with a marked slope, the driver must also use proper wheel blocks; stones, bricks or other items not specifically intended for this use cannot be used, nor by resting one of the wheels on the kerb of the pavement, nor by inclining the wheels towards the centre of the road on upward slopes nor outwards on downward slopes. The wheel blocks must be removed from the road after use and prior to driving away.

 

 

The General Traffic Regulations do not establish any other conditions for stopping or parking a vehicle, so, therefore the General Directorate of Traffic believes that while any vehicle is parked properly, without exceeding markings on the delimitation of the parking space, nor exceeds the time permitted (if any), it is irrelevant whether the occupants are inside the vehicle or not, and thus motorhomes are no exception, so long as any activity or occupancy in the interior does not extend to the exterior by the setting up of elements which surpass the perimeter of the vehicle such as stalls, awnings, levelling devices, stabilizing devices, etc.

 

3.2 intercity routes (Highways)

 

Article 90.1 of the General Traffic Regulations defines the places where stopping and parking should be carried out on intercity routes noting that this should be done as far away from the roadway, on the right hand side, leaving part of the hard shoulder free for transit.

 

In general, on motorways and highways it is forbidden to carry out manoeuvres of stopping and parking for all vehicles, except in areas specially assigned for these manoeuvres.

 

The General Traffic Regulations, Article 91, on stopping and parking on intercity routes concerning the method and manner of implementation are already covered in the previous point, as well as the considerations in relation to parking in urban streets and the presence of people inside a vehicle correctly parked, without prejudice to the possibility of parking in areas of service stations or on private land where other conditions can be agreed with the owners.

 

Other concepts in some way associated with the parking of motorhomes, such as camping and overnight stays are not included in the rules on circulation of motor vehicles and road safety, therefore, this agency cannot pronounce on the definition or on the implications.

 

 

 

4. - SEAT-BELT USE AND RESTRAINT DEVICES

 

Seat belts or other approved restraint systems, properly fastened by the driver and passengers of motor homes in both urban and intercity routes must be used.

 

Failure to meet this obligation by certain people depending on their size and age to match the following requirements:

 

1. - Front seats: It is forbidden to circulate with minors under twelve years of age in the front seats unless they use devices approved for that purpose. Exceptionally, when the height of the minor is equal to, or in excess of, 135 cm, children of twelve years may use as such a device the same seat belt for adults that are equipped in the front seats.

 

2 .- Other seats: People whose height reaches 135 cm and does not exceed 150 cm may use either an approved restraint system adapted to their height and weight or seat belts for adults that are equipped in the these seats.

 

3 .- In motorhomes that are not equipped with approved safety devices specially adapted to the size and weight of the users, children under three years of age will not be permitted to travel and those older than three years that have failed to reach the 135-centimeter, can not take a front seat.

 

The rules as set out completely exclude the possibility of occupying the beds or bunks of a motorhome whilst in circulation, due to the obvious risk to the occupants in the event of sudden braking, collision or rollover, but you can occupy seats equipped with approved retention systems, provided that the number of people travelling in the vehicle, either in the cockpit or in the living area, does not exceed the legally permitted places that are recorded in the documentation of the vehicle.

 

5. - EQUIPMENT

 

The minimum equipment which a motorhome should carry, will be in accordance with Annex XII of the General Rules of Vehicle, as follows: One set of replacement light bulbs, in prime condition and the necessary tools to change the light bulbs; two portable, red, triangle devices to forewarn of danger; a spare wheel or a temporary wheel with the necessary tools required to change the wheel or an alternative system, which offers sufficient guarantee for the mobility of the vehicle.

 

Likewise, when drivers and/or passengers leave the vehicle and occupy the road or the hard shoulder on intercity routes a high-visibility reflective vest, certified according to the Royal Decree 1407/1992, of November 20, must be used.

 

6. - TECHNICAL INSPECTION (ITV Testing)

 

According to Royal Decree 711/2006, of June 9, in which certain royal decrees relating to the ITV inspection of vehicles and vehicle spares and parts and the approval of vehicles, has been modified, therefore the General Vehicle Regulations, approved by royal decree 2822/1998 of December 23, the following frequency of inspection applies to motorhomes:

Age of vehicle:

- Up to four years: exempt.

- More than four years: every two years.

- More than ten years: annual

 

 

7. – SERVICE AREAS OR REST AREAS

 

These are facilities designed specifically to service or host motorhomes providing a range of necessary services for these vehicles, primarily: parking, drinking water supply and place to empty deposits.

 

Unlike Camp Sites, service or host areas provide the physical space strictly necessary to park the vehicle and can be publicly or privately owned.

 

There are about 60 such facilities in Spain, for which, through the motion by the full Senate on May 9, 2006, the Government was urged to create a traffic road sign within the road signal service area.

 

The General Directorate of Traffic believes that, without prejudice to the future design and inclusion in the official catalogue of traffic road signs of a specific design indicating the location of a service or host area for motor homes, the current signal S-122 "other services” in the official catalogue of traffic signs added to Annex I of the General Rules of Circulation allows this need to be satisfied by including a simple pictogram.

 

 

 

 

8. - AUXILIARY TRANSPORT VEHICLES

 

It is very common for motorhomes to transport auxiliary vehicles, usually bicycles or a motorcycle or a moped of small cylinder capacity. This practice is authorised provided an approved cycle carrier or platform for this purpose is used and when this overhangs the perimeter of the motorhome, the following conditions are met in accordance with the provisions of Articles 15 of the General Rules of Circulation:

 

a. If it protrudes from the projection in plant of the motorhome, at the rear, up to 10% of its length and if only one vehicle (indivisible load), 15%.

 

b. All appropriate precautions should be taken to prevent damage or hazard to other road users, and the protruding element should be protected to minimize damage by possible rubbing against it or collision.

 

c. If a carrier, it should be marked by the signal V-20 referred to in Article 173 and whose features are set out in Annex XI of the General Rules of vehicles. This signal is placed at the rear of the cargo so as to constantly be perpendicular to the axis of the vehicle.

 

Consultations have also been made on the possibility of a motorhome being allowed to tow a car; but that possibility is prohibited by Article 9.3 of the General Rules of vehicles that prohibits the circulation of a motor vehicle dragging another, except when it is damaged or broken down and cannot be towed by another vehicle specifically intended for that purpose, in which case it is allowed only to tow to the nearest town or village where it can be detained without hindering the traffic, and always provided they are not travelling on a motorway or highway.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the circulation of a combination composed of a motor vehicle and a trailer or semi trailer on which another vehicle is transported, is allowed if the combination meets the conditions for driving on public roads and is approved according to Directives 70/156/EEC and 94/20/EC and also does not exceed the maximum permitted length for these combinations which is that of 18.75 meters for trailers and 16.50 meters for semi trailers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be made public for general knowledge.

 

Madrid, Jan. 28, 2008

 

THE DIRECTOR GENERAL

 

Pere Navarro Olivella

 

TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO ALL UNITS OF THE AGENCY

__________________

 

 

 

 

[Robinhood]

The most easily understandable explanation of the chequered history I can find is at:

 

http://www.aeaclub.com/0023_autocaravanas/002.htm

 

Whilst a fairly detailed explanation (admittedly 5 years old) of the limits purporting to apply in Spain (and aligned somewhat to registration category as Bruce has set out) is:

 

http://www.viajarenautocaravana.com/rcs_gene/velocidadescarretera_1.pdf

 

....and a translated extract is:

 

Speed ??limits for campers registered in Spain depend on the classification contained in the data sheet:

32 Mobile <= 3.5 tonnes and 33 Mobile> 3.5 Tm, maximum speed of the road

3148 Mixed-home vehicle, 100 km / h Ap-Av, 90 (1) / 80 (2) km / h Cr

Van-Housing 2448, 90 Km / h Ap-Av, 80 (1) / 70 (2) km / h Cr (1)

 

The foreign caravans traversing Spain lacking a classification similar to the Spanish

in its data sheet, means that are matched to 32 (Mobile) when their MMA is <= to 3.5

Tm. and its speed limit will be the maximum of the road.

[BGD]

Robinhood - 2012-07-08 4:30 PM

 

The most easily understandable explanation of the chequered history I can find is at:

 

http://www.aeaclub.com/0023_autocaravanas/002.htm

 

Whilst a fairly detailed explanation (admittedly 5 years old) of the limits purporting to apply in Spain (and aligned somewhat to registration category as Bruce has set out) is:

 

http://www.viajarenautocaravana.com/rcs_gene/velocidadescarretera_1.pdf

 

....and a translated extract is:

 

Speed ??limits for campers registered in Spain depend on the classification contained in the data sheet:

32 Mobile <= 3.5 tonnes and 33 Mobile> 3.5 Tm, maximum speed of the road

3148 Mixed-home vehicle, 100 km / h Ap-Av, 90 (1) / 80 (2) km / h Cr

Van-Housing 2448, 90 Km / h Ap-Av, 80 (1) / 70 (2) km / h Cr (1)

 

The foreign caravans traversing Spain lacking a classification similar to the Spanish

in its data sheet, means that are matched to 32 (Mobile) when their MMA is <= to 3.5

Tm. and its speed limit will be the maximum of the road.

 

 

 

Caution: neither of those documents are definitive legal documents of any type. They are nothing to do with Government regulation or policy.

They appear to be simply some Spanish Motorhome club editorial on what they at that time thought the situation is across a number of European Countries, and also what they would like to happen in Spain.

 

More importantly they both also take as their "legal" references earlier Spanish "articulos" from well BEFORE the Spanish DGT finally compiled and distributed their definitive rules on the treatment of Motorhomes to all Police, regional and local authorities in 2008.

 

As I read it they were essentially lobbying-type articles from MH clubs, intended to try to get the DGT to classify MH's as cars. They did not succeed.

 

 

 

The definitive source regulations in Spain are, and have been since 2008, contained in the DGT Directive document that I posted above.

[Robinhood]

BGD - 2012-07-08 5:08 PM

 

Caution: neither of those documents are definitive legal documents of any type. They are nothing to do with Government regulation or policy.

 

....didn't put them forward as any such. ;-)

 

I simply used them as an example (there are many others) of the debate that has gone on over the past few years in Spanish forums, etc. on the application of speed limits to Motorcaravans, and the fact that "disagreement" there probably contributed to the various different sets of speed limit data that exist on the web.

 

If it is taken at face value (and there are other sites which would support the same conclusion) the status of motorhomes until your quoted 2008 DGT document was, for a period following previous legislation, in some doubt (and if not legally, then at leat amongst "autocaravanistas").

 

It would appear that this was resolved in 2008 by the above (possibly because of such doubt).

 

Unless anyone else can throw light on any subsequent legislation, I wouldn't question that this is the current definitive position.

[nowtelse2do]

When someone can take the time and effort to try and clarify Laws in another country so as to help other forum members, this is what is good about being a member of a forum. Thank you Bruce.

 

The piece that is most clear to my mind and should eliminate any further (can I or can't i) questions was paragraph 8 and refers to Article 9.3, which is no A BARS. I don't think I'v misinterpreted that one on this occasion have I Bruce.

 

Dave

[Guest pelmetman]

Cant say I ever felt the need to do more than 90k in Spain.......................I'm on holiday B-)

[Brian Kirby]

BGD - 2012-07-08 2:33 PM

 

Brian - to answer your query on Spanish autovias (motorways) versus autopistas (toll motorways):

 

They are the same thing.

All the rules on speed limits etc are there same on either type of motorway...the only difference is that on the one type you have to pay to travel along it!

 

Basically, any road in Spain with blue signage is a motorway...thus on those the "furgonita" (van, and sub-3.5 tonne max weight motorhome) maximum speed limit is 100 kmph.

 

Incidentally, to help others who might not be aware, if you see a Spanish motorway sign or see on your map that a road is classified as "A", that means "Autovia" (non- toll motorway), eg "A7".

But if it says "AP" that means "Autopista peage" (toll-motorway).

 

It's worth watching out for, as many of the motorways across Spain have some toll sections.

The name changes to warn you, eg on the "A7" motorway running down the east coast from France, there are several sections where it's name becomes the "AP7" for a while, and thus you have to pay a toll upon exiting that section.

There's always a junction where you can leave an "A" motorway before it become "AP", but if you are not checking the upcoming gantry signage, it is possible to miss that upcoming change and just cruise on into a toll section.

 

As ever Bruce, thanks.

 

What I really don't understand is why you omitted to put "SO THERE" at the end of your legal opus maximus! :-D Great stuff! Take a bow! Respect! :-D :-D