Spain's 30 km/h Urban Speed Limit Cuts Deaths, New €600 Fines Enforced

Spain introduced citywide 30 km/h speed zones in May 2021, becoming the first country to apply the measure nationwide. The limit, endorsed by the WHO for reducing fatal collisions, lowers the risk of death from 80 % at 50 km/h to 10 % at 30 km/h. Five years on, the DGT reports a 19 % drop in cyclist fatalities and a 16 % decline in pedestrian deaths, with overall road deaths in cities down about 5 % in 2024 compared with 2019. Several large cities, including Bilbao, Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, have seen reduced accident rates, and nine municipalities reported no traffic deaths in 2024.

To enforce the rule, new penalties have been added. Exceeding the limit can incur fines of €100‑€600 and the loss of up to six points on a driver’s licence; violations over 50 km/h on a 30 km/h road are classified as very serious, attracting the maximum €600 fine and six points. The DGT also highlighted that electric scooters are limited to 25 km/h, with penalties of up to €800 for severe infractions. "Not respecting the new speed limits in cities will be considered a serious or very serious offense, resulting in fines of between 100 and 600 euros and the loss of up to six points on the driver’s licence," the authority noted.