Which Spanish rules should you consult?
- Traffic and road safety: Royal Legislative Decree 6/2015 approves the consolidated Traffic, Motor Vehicle Circulation and Road Safety Law.
- Rules of circulation: Royal Decree 1428/2003 approves the Reglamento General de Circulación.
- Vehicle requirements: Royal Decree 2822/1998 approves the Reglamento General de Vehículos.
- Dangerous goods by road in Spain: Royal Decree 97/2014 regulates these operations alongside the applicable ADR provisions.
Use the latest consolidated versions to locate amendments and their official publications. The law’s original year is not the date of its latest wording. For dangerous goods, the edition applicable at this guide’s review date is ADR 2025, including relevant corrections and transitional provisions.
Check restrictions for the actual journey
The DGT restrictions page brings together the 2026 resolution and amendments, the dangerous goods route network (RIMP), exempt substances and temporary restrictions. Check both the legal documents and current traffic information for the planned itinerary.
DGT distinguishes general goods vehicles exceeding 7,500 kg maximum authorised mass from vehicles carrying dangerous goods that must display orange plates under ADR. Do not assume the general goods weight threshold determines whether dangerous goods restrictions apply.
DGT also states that its restrictions cover Spain except Catalonia, the Basque Country and Navarre, whose authorities may apply their own restrictions. Review the rules for each territory crossed, including dates, times, routes and any exemption being relied upon.
Prepare a practical route review
Give the person reviewing the journey the loading and delivery addresses, intermediate stops, travel dates, vehicle configuration and authorised mass. For dangerous goods, add the UN numbers, quantities, packaging or tank details, and the basis for any claimed exemption.
Record the sources and date of the review. Recheck shortly before departure for temporary measures and incidents. A route that was suitable for a previous load is not automatically suitable for a different load or travel date.
Keep transport documentation as a separate part of preparation. Our guide to Spain’s administrative control document explains that document’s role.
For an English-language review of dangerous goods operations involving Spain, see DGSA advisory services or send an enquiry with the proposed itinerary.
Discuss your operation in Spain
Tell us which goods, activities and transport stages are involved. We will discuss the scope of the advice or training you need.