Speed limits in Spain
Speed limits in Spain differ in some respects from German rules. Since 2021, Spanish towns and cities have had new, lower limits.
Built-up areas
30 km/h applies on all single-lane roads within built-up areas. This covers the majority of streets in Palma and in the villages on Mallorca.
50 km/h applies on multi-lane roads within built-up areas (at least two lanes per direction).
20 km/h applies in pedestrian zones and traffic-calmed areas (residential streets with raised footways).
Outside built-up areas
90 km/h on conventional rural roads (carreteras convencionales). This is lower than the German 100 km/h and is strictly enforced, particularly on Mallorca's rural roads.
100 km/h on fast roads (vias rapidas) with physically separated carriageways.
120 km/h on motorways (autopistas). Mallorca has the Ma-1 motorway (Palma-Inca), the Ma-13 (Palma-Sa Pobla) and the Ma-19 (Palma-Llucmajor).
Watch out: mobile speed cameras
The Guardia Civil regularly deploys mobile speed cameras on Mallorca, particularly on the rural roads towards the Serra de Tramuntana and on the approach roads into Palma. Fines start at 100€ and rise quickly to 600€ for larger excesses.
Fines and penalty points
Spain has a points-based system (permiso por puntos). Every driver starts with 12 points (new drivers with 8). Points are deducted for infringements. At 0 points the licence is revoked.
Common offences and fines
| Offence | Fine | Points deducted |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding (up to 20 km/h over) | 100€ | 0 |
| Speeding (20-30 km/h over) | 300€ | 2 |
| Speeding (30-50 km/h over) | 400€ | 4 |
| Speeding (over 50 km/h over) | 500€ | 6 |
| Mobile phone at the wheel | 200€ | 3 |
| Not wearing a seatbelt | 200€ | 3 |
| Running a red light | 200€ | 4 |
| Exceeding the alcohol limit | 500-1,000€ | 4-6 |
| Parking illegally | 50-200€ | 0 |
50% discount for prompt payment
One important difference from Germany: if you pay the fine within 20 days of notification, you automatically receive a 50% discount. This applies to most traffic offences. However, by paying you waive your right to appeal.
Tip: Use the DGT website
Via the website of the DGT (Direccion General de Trafico) you can check outstanding fines and pay them directly online. With a Certificado Digital (digital certificate) this is especially straightforward.
Roundabouts and right of way
Roundabouts (Rotonda)
Roundabouts are everywhere on Mallorca. The rules are essentially the same as in Germany: traffic already in the roundabout has right of way. In practice, though, there are a few differences worth knowing.
Entering: Do not indicate when entering a roundabout. This is a common mistake made by German drivers. You only indicate when leaving the roundabout.
Lane choice: On multi-lane roundabouts, use the inner lane if you are taking any exit beyond the first. Move into the outer lane in good time before your exit.
Exiting: Indicate right when leaving the roundabout. This is compulsory and is enforced.
Right-of-way rules
Right-of-way rules are essentially the same as in Germany: give way to the right unless signage indicates otherwise. In many villages on Mallorca there are roads where priority is not clearly signposted. Drive with extra care here and be prepared for other drivers not to follow the rules.
Parking on Mallorca
Colour markings
On Mallorca, coloured kerb markings indicate where you may and may not park:
Blue: Paid parking with a ticket (ORA zone). Ticket machines are nearby. Typically 1-2€ per hour, usually limited to 2-3 hours.
White: Free parking with no time limit.
Yellow: Absolute no-stopping zone. Your car will be towed, especially in Palma.
Green: Residents parking only (residents permit required). In Palma you can apply for a parking permit at the Ajuntament if you are registered in the area.
Parking in Palma
Parking in central Palma is a challenge. The ORA zones charge during the day (Monday to Friday, 09:00-14:00 and 17:00-20:00, Saturday 09:00-14:00). In the evenings and on Sundays parking in the blue zones is free.
Underground car parks (Aparcamientos) are an alternative: Parc de la Mar, Plaza Mayor, Avenidas and others. Allow for 1.50-2.50€ per hour or 15-25€ for a full day.
Watch out: tow-away zone
In Palma, towing is enforced consistently. The Grua (towing service) is quick and releasing your car costs from 150€ plus storage fees. Always pay attention to yellow markings and no-stopping signs.
Compulsory equipment in your car
In Spain you must carry the following items in your car:
Warning triangle: At least one, though two are recommended (for front and rear). Must be placed when you break down or have an accident.
High-visibility vest: At least one reflective vest, kept within easy reach inside the passenger compartment (not in the boot). You must put it on before getting out of the car on the road.
Spare wheel or tyre repair kit: One or the other must be present.
Driving licence and vehicle documents: The Permiso de Circulacion (vehicle registration document) and the Tarjeta de Inspeccion Tecnica (ITV card) must always be in the car.
Proof of insurance: The Poliza de seguro or an insurance sticker (if applicable).
Tip: Keep the high-visibility vest within reach
The high-visibility vest must be in the glove compartment or under the seat, not in the boot. The reason: you must put it on before you get out of the car. Anyone who steps out onto the road without one risks a fine of 200€.
Alcohol and mobile phones
Alcohol limits
Spain has stricter alcohol limits than Germany:
0.5 per mille for experienced drivers (the same as Germany).
0.3 per mille for new drivers (less than 2 years of licence) and professional drivers.
At controls, a breathalyser test is used. Refusal is treated as a serious offence and penalised as if the limit had been exceeded.
Mobile phones at the wheel
Using a phone without a hands-free kit is prohibited and costs 200€ plus 3 points. Even holding the phone in your hand (e.g. for navigation) can be penalised. Use a phone mount or the car's built-in hands-free system.
Things specific to Mallorca
Narrow mountain roads
The roads in the Serra de Tramuntana and in the mountain villages are often extremely narrow. Sometimes only one car can pass, and there are passing places (apartaderos). As a rule, the vehicle going uphill has priority. Drive slowly here and be prepared to reverse to the nearest passing place.
Cyclists
Mallorca is a popular destination for cyclists. Particularly from February to May and in autumn, many cyclists are out on the rural roads. When overtaking cyclists you must leave a side clearance of at least 1.5 metres. On narrow roads this often means waiting until there is no oncoming traffic.
Traffic jams and peak times
The approach roads into Palma (Ma-1, Ma-13, Ma-19) are regularly congested in the mornings (07:30-09:00) and evenings (17:00-19:00). In summer, tourist traffic adds to this. Allow extra time when driving into Palma.
Low-emission zones
Palma has had a low-emission zone (Zona de Bajas Emisiones, ZBE) in the city centre since 2022. Older vehicles without a Spanish environmental label (Etiqueta ambiental) are not permitted to drive there. As a resident you can apply for an environmental label from the DGT. For rental cars this is generally not an issue, as the fleets usually consist of newer vehicles.
Tip: Keep your ITV up to date
A valid ITV (the Spanish equivalent of an MOT) is compulsory. Driving with an expired ITV can result in a fine of up to 500€. You can find everything you need to know in our guide to the ITV on Mallorca.