In Madrid, it is better to move around on public transport, as it is one of the best in Europe and therefore, pollution is avoided.  If you are using your car, you must bear in mind Madrid 360 / Low Emissions Area, the anti-pollution protocol that is sometimes activated and the Mobility regulation, which establishes the maximum speed limit in many streets at 30 km/h. Remember that it is compulsory to display the environmental sticker.

MADRID 360 / LOW EMISSIONS AREA:

Madrid 360 consists of the creation of different low emissions areas (ZBE) to improve environmental protection in the 21 districts. The entire municipality will gradually be declared ZBE according to rings from 1 January 2022 until 2025.

With the approval of the new Sustainable Mobility Regulation, legal parameters were established on 13 September 2021 to turn the entire city into a Low Emissions Area, reconciling the fight against pollution and the development of economic activity.

• As of 1 January 2022, the entrance and circulation of A-rated vehicles is forbidden on public urban roads inside the M-30, excluding the motorway. Note: except those vehicles that are registered in Madrid in the Traffic Department’s Vehicle Register on 1 January 2022 and which appear on the census of the Motor Vehicle Tax that can pass and circulate throughout the city until 31 December 2024, provided that they simultaneously comply with both requirements, among other exceptions.
• Notification 28 February 2022: The City Council extends the notification period for Madrid ZBE until 1 May 2022. Note: Mobility officers will continue to sanction A-rated vehicles that have restricted access and circulation within the M-30.

HOW DOES THE NEW REGULATION AFFECT ME?

Anti-pollution protocol

Madrid has a protocol for high pollution that affects traffic and parking. This protocol establishes five series of measures and gives priority to cleaner vehicles depending on their environment sticker.

If you are driving to Madrid by car, it is useful to check here if the protocol is activated and what measures it establishes.

Parking regulations

It is illegal to park a vehicle in places with yellow markings or where No Parking (Prohibido estacionar) signs are displayed. Regulated parking zones are signposted and have blue or green road markings. You can purchase a ticket from the nearest pay and display machine or by mobile.

Driving under the influence           

Spain has strict drink driving laws, with a legal alcohol limit of 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (25 milligrams for drivers who have less than 2 years driving experience). Driver found guilty of drink driving may receive fines of over 500 euros and prison sentences.

Speed limits

Speed limits are strictly enforced in Madrid and are controlled by speed cameras located around the city. General speed limits for vehicles, depending on the roads, are the following:

• Motorways and dual carriageways: 120km/h
• National roads: 100km/h
• City roads: 30Km/hr on single lane roads / 50 km/hr on roads with two or more lanes in the same direction
• Shared bike lanes: 30 Km/h
• Residential areas: 20km/h

License and minimum age for driving

The minimum legal age to drive in Spain is 18- Non-residents may drive in Spain with an International Driver’s License, a temporary license which is valid for one year. Residents of a European Community country may drive in Spain using the license from their country of origin.  

Travelling with children

Children over 12 may travel in the passenger seat. Those under 12 may only travel in the front unless they are using a special car seat. Children in the back who are under 135cm tall must use the correct car or booster seats.

Motorbikes and bicycles

It is compulsory for motorbike riders to use dipped headlights day and night. Both the driver and any passenger must always use a helmet. Helmets are only compulsory for cyclists when travelling outside urban areas. Further information

Mobiles

Mobiles phones may not be used while driving, unless you have a hands-free set. Fines for this offence are usually around 200 euros.

Personal Transporters

Electric scooters, Segways and similar vehicles cannot drive on the sidewalks. They have to use bike lanes and streets at 30 km/h or less. Persons aged 16 and younger have to use the helmet. It is not allowed to drive with headphones.

You have to be 15 years and older to use them. If it is an organized tourist visit, the helmet must be used by all, the group cannot have more than 8 people and the vehicles can be used by children aged 10 and older.

Further information