Spain by campervan: driving, tolls and rules
Driving a campervan in Spain: speed limits, tolls, low-emission zones, required equipment and key road rules. What to know before you go.
Published 18 September 2026Last checked 21 September 2026
Currency
Euro
EUR. Cards are common. Keep some cash for small businesses
Driving
Right
Check your vehicle's weight for speed limits
Power
230V, type F
Two round pins
Emergency
112
Free from any phone
Overnight
Park, do not camp
Nothing outside the vehicle
City access
Check the ZBE
Foreign vehicles may need advance registration
Driving
Driving
Motorhomes up to 3,500 kg follow limits of 120 km/h on motorways and 90 km/h on conventional roads, unless a lower sign applies. Above 3,500 kg, the corresponding limits are 90 and 80 km/h. Passengers must use approved seats and restraints while moving. Beds are not travel seats.
Low-emission zones are the main planning issue. Requirements and enforcement differ by municipality, so use MITECO's official map to open the current local rules before entering a city. Foreign-plated vehicles may need separate registration. For Barcelona's metropolitan ZBE, submit the foreign-vehicle application early because verification can take up to 15 working days.
National maximums unless a lower sign applies
| Vehicle | Motorway | Conventional road |
|---|---|---|
| Motorhome up to 3,500 kg | 120 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Motorhome over 3,500 kg | 90 km/h | 80 km/h |
Before entering a city
- Open the municipality from MITECO's official ZBE map and check the active boundary, hours and vehicle rules.
- Do not assume a foreign emissions sticker is recognised. Follow the city's process for a foreign plate.
- For Barcelona, allow up to 15 working days for registration. Limited daily permits are available for occasional access.
- If the rules are unclear, park outside the zone and use public transport.
Equipment and breakdowns
- Carry a reflective vest and the required means of dealing with a puncture.
- A connected V16 beacon is mandatory from 2026 for vehicles registered in Spain.
- A foreign-registered vehicle in international traffic may use the warning equipment required by its country of registration, such as warning triangles. It does not have to buy a Spanish V16 solely for the visit.
Spain's revised General Traffic Regulation, including the statutory motorhome parking conditions, starts on 1 October 2026. Until then, the DGT motorhome instruction remains the key national guidance. Local signs and ordinances still apply in both cases.