In Spain, the maximum permitted speed for cars on motorways and expressways is 120 km/h, unless a lower limit is posted. This national rule applies to the country’s highest-standard public roads.
Spanish motorways, known as autovías or autopistas depending on the road, are designed for higher-speed long-distance travel. Their access controls, separated carriageways and grade-separated junctions reduce some conflicts found on ordinary roads, but weather, traffic and roadworks can still require lower limits.
The 120 km/h figure is a legal maximum, not a target speed. Drivers must adapt to rain, congestion, visibility and temporary signs. Limits for other vehicle categories can differ, particularly for heavy goods vehicles and vehicles towing trailers.
A common mistake is to transfer the passenger-car limit to every vehicle. Spanish road rules distinguish between vehicle types, and posted restrictions can override the general national limit.