Use the 2026 rules for a 2026 journey
The current annual framework is Resolution ISP/300/2026 of 6 February. It replaced the 2025 resolution and its amendments. The year “2025” remains in this page’s historical address; it does not describe the rules summarised here.
The SCT restrictions page also lists Resolution ISP/1933/2026 of 15 June, its Spanish-language correction, and Resolution ISP/2853/2026 of 5 August. Consult that page and the linked official texts together, rather than relying on an unchanged copy of the initial annual resolution.
Orange plates: check the calendar and any exemption
Section 3 of the annual resolution applies additional restrictions to dangerous goods vehicles required to display orange plates. In general, Sundays and public holidays, excluding Saturdays, are restricted from 08:00 to 24:00 on Catalonia’s interurban roads. Special schedules apply to certain holiday eves and consecutive public holidays. Check the precise date and the conditions of any Annex C exemption.
These requirements operate alongside restrictions applying to general goods vehicles because of their mass. The orange-plate assessment and the vehicle-mass assessment are separate steps; checking only one can miss a restriction.
XIMP routes, loading points and tunnels
Use the official XIMP route calculator for the actual origin and destination, and read the SCT instructions for orange-plate vehicles.
Section 4 and Annex D of the resolution govern the prescribed routes. Annex D takes precedence if a calculated route disagrees with it. Tunnel restrictions and applicable road signs require their own checks.
Include intermediate stops in the review: a loading point, tank-cleaning facility, workshop or rest location may alter the route that needs assessment. A calendar exemption does not, by itself, establish that every road or tunnel is available for the load.
Information for an English-language journey review
Prepare the following before confirming a journey:
- Loading and delivery addresses, border crossings, intermediate stops and intended travel dates.
- Vehicle configuration and maximum authorised mass.
- UN numbers, quantities, packaging or tank details, and whether orange plates are required.
- The exact exemption or authorisation proposed, with its supporting evidence.
Recheck current SCT notices before departure, particularly during severe weather or civil-protection emergencies. For routes continuing outside Catalonia, consult the competent traffic authority for each territory crossed.
See our Spanish traffic law guide for the wider framework. For dangerous goods operations involving Spain, contact DGSA with the itinerary and goods information.
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.