Overtaking on Spanish Roads by COYS RENT-A-CAR

Overtaking is one of the most common — yet dangerous — manoeuvres. In Spain, the DGT has clear rules to reduce risk. Knowing where and when you can (and can’t) overtake is essential for safe driving. Many serious crashes happen due to poor overtaking decisions.

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**No-Overtaking Signs**

These signs show a red circle with two cars — one red, one black. The red car means overtaking is forbidden.

They are placed in dangerous areas like:

Poor visibility zones

Heavy traffic stretches

Narrow roads or curves

At the end of these zones, you’ll see the same sign but faded with black diagonal stripes.

Between them, the road usually has solid white lines.

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**Where overtaking is never allowed (even without a sign):**

Curves or hills – low visibility

Intersections and roundabouts – crossing traffic

Level crossings, tunnels, underpasses – risk of head-on collision

Pedestrian crossings – high danger of hiding pedestrians

Behind trucks or buses overtaking – they block your view

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**Overtaking Cyclists or Slow Vehicles**

Yes, you can overtake them even in no-overtaking zones, but only if:

You keep at least **1.5 metres** distance

It’s safe for oncoming traffic

You reduce speed and do it with care

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**When is overtaking on the right allowed?**

The vehicle ahead is turning left

On urban roads with multiple lanes

When passing trams from the right

In slow traffic if your lane moves faster

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**On motorways:**

Always drive in the **right lane**. Use center/left lanes only for overtaking.

Blocking middle lanes is common — but wrong — and disrupts traffic flow.

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**Penalties for breaking overtaking rules:**

Fine up to **€200**

Points lost on your licence

These rules save lives — they’re not optional.

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**Tips for safe overtaking:**

Check visibility and signs

Use indicators early

Maintain steady speed

Return smoothly to your lane

If in doubt, **wait**. It’s safer.

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**Respect the signs. Protect lives.**

Overtaking rules exist for a reason. They’re placed where **risk is highest**.

A few extra seconds of patience could prevent a tragedy.