Maximum speed of a bus

Knowing what the maximum permitted speed for a bus is essential for both professional drivers and passenger transport companies. These vehicles, due to their dimensions, weight and capacity, are subject to specific speed limits The following are included in the Spanish road regulations.

The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) establishes different maximum speeds depending on the type of road, the type of bus (conventional, school or trailer) and whether or not it is carrying standing passengers. Here is a clear and up-to-date explanation of what these limits are, depending on the type of road, the type of bus (conventional, school or trailer) and whether or not it is carrying standing passengers. General Road Traffic Regulation in force in 2025.

What is the maximum speed of a bus in Spain?

General speed limit for buses in 2024 (according to DGT)

According to the DGTbuses, buses conventional without trailer or standing passengers can circulate at a maximum of:

• 100 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways
• 90 km/h on conventional roads
• 50 km/h on urban roadsexcept special indications (30 km/h on single-platform roads or residential areas)

This regulation is governed by the Article 48 of the General Road Traffic Regulationsas amended by Royal Decree 970/2020 of 10 November 2020.. You can check it on the official website of the DGT:
Traffic rules for buses - DGT

Difference between conventional, trailer and school buses

The maximum speed varies depending on the type of bus:

• Buses with trailers: limited to 80 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways y 70 km/h on conventional roadsThe length and manoeuvrability of the vehicle make it more difficult to manoeuvre.
• School buses: should reduce the overall limits by 10 km/h of the track. That is to say, maximum 90 km/h on motorways/highways y 80 km/h on conventional roadsas laid down in Article 2 of Royal Decree 443/2001 on school transport.

Maximum permitted speed when carrying standing passengers

When the bus transports standing passengersAs is often the case on urban or inter-urban lines, the maximum speed is limited to 80 km/heven on motorways or dual carriageways.

This limitation applies to even if the bus is legally entitled to do soas laid down by the DGT:

"Buses transporting standing passengers, in accordance with their type approval, may not travel faster than 80 km/h" - Dirección General de Tráfico.

ARent a minibus in Malaga

Speed limit for buses according to road type

Motorways and dual carriageways

On motorways and dual carriageways, the conventional buses without standing passengers may circulate at a maximum of 100 km/h.

Exceptions:

• If the bus carries standing passengersthe limit drops to 80 km/h.
• The buses with trailers have a limit of 80 km/h.
• The SCHOOL BUSES must be reduced by 10 km/h compared to the general limit, i.e, 90 km/h.

Conventional roads

On conventional roads the general limit for buses is 90 km/hThe vehicle shall not carry standing passengers, provided that road conditions permit and the vehicle does not carry standing passengers.

Special cases:

• With standing passengers: maximum 80 km/h.
• School buses: maximum 80 km/h.
• With trailer: is reduced to 70 km/h.

Urban roads

In urban areas, buses must respect the generic speed limits:

• 50 km/h on separate platform tracks for both directions.
• 30 km/h on single-platform roads or residential streets.

These rules apply to both city and intercity buses operating within the urban core.

School buses and buses with trailers: does the limit change?

Yes, there are specific restrictions for school buses and those towing another vehicle.

School buses

They must circulate 10 km/h below the general limit on each type of road, regardless of whether they are carrying children or not. This means:

• 90 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways
• 80 km/h on conventional roads
• Urban speeds depending on the road

In addition, they must bear the V-10 signal school transport visible at the rear.

Buses with trailers

They have reduced speed for safety regulations:

• 80 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways
• 70 km/h on conventional roads

These restrictions take into account the higher inertia and braking difficulty of the assembly.

What happens if a bus exceeds the speed limit?

Exceeding the posted speed limits can have serious legal and security implicationsespecially for professional drivers.

🔸 Sanctions

• Financial penalties which can exceed €500
• Loss of professional driving licence points
• Possible withdrawal of licence in case of serious infringement or repeat offence

🔸 Safety risks

• Mayor braking distance
• Increased risk of overturning o loss of control
• Severe damage in the event of an accidentgiven the number of passengers carried

🔸 Radar control

Buses are subject to fixed and mobile radarsespecially in areas entering and leaving urban areas, dangerous stretches and interurban roads.

Where can I find the official bus speed regulations?

In order to keep up to date with current legislation, it is recommended to consult official sources:

• Official website of the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT):
  👉 www.dgt.es
• General Traffic Regulationsin particular Article 48.
• Royal Decree 443/2001on safety conditions for the transport of schoolchildren and minors.

It is important to periodically check for legislative updates or amendmentsas the limits may change over time.

Frequently asked questions about the maximum speed of a bus

Can a bus travel at 120 km/h on a motorway?

No. No bus in Spain is allowed to run at more than 100 km/h.even on motorways and dual carriageways. If you carry standing passengers, the limit is 80 km/h.

Do city buses have a different limit than intercity buses?

In town, all buses must comply with city limitswhich are 50 km/h as a general rule, and 30 km/h in residential areas or on single-platform roadsregardless of whether they are urban or inter-urban.

What is the maximum speed of a bus with standing passengers?

The maximum allowed by law is 80 km/hincluding on motorways. This restriction is intended to protect passengers in the event of braking or an accident.

What is the maximum speed a school bus can go?

A school bus must run 10 km/h below the general limit of each track:

• 90 km/h on motorways/highways
• 80 km/h on conventional roads

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