Right of Way in Spain: Junctions and Traffic Lights
Who has right of way at a junction in Spain? What should you do when traffic lights and road signs seem to give different instructions? This guide explains the key distinctions in English, with practical examples for learners preparing for Spain’s Category B theory test.
By Luis Sánchez, a qualified Spanish driving instructor teaching driving theory in English since 2015.
Who has right of way at an unsigned junction in Spain?
When no signal regulates priority at a junction, the general rule is to give way to vehicles approaching from your right.
Example: Two cars approach a junction on paved roads, with no priority signs, traffic lights or officer directing traffic. If the other car approaches from your right and your paths cross, you must give way.
Exceptions to the give-way-to-the-right rule
- Vehicles on a paved road have priority over vehicles approaching from an unpaved road.
- Vehicles travelling on rails have priority over other road users.
- At roundabouts, vehicles already circulating have priority over those entering.
- Vehicles on a motorway or dual carriageway (autopista or autovía) have priority over vehicles joining it.
Remember: Check for instructions regulating priority first. Apply the general rule and its exceptions when no such signal applies.
Which traffic instruction takes priority in Spain?
When instructions conflict, Spanish traffic rules establish this order of precedence:
- Instructions from authorised traffic officers.
- Temporary traffic controls and road delineation devices.
- Traffic lights.
- Vertical road signs.
- Road markings.
If conflicting instructions come from signals of the same type, the more restrictive instruction takes precedence.
Example: If a traffic officer directs you to stop while the traffic light is green, you must follow the officer’s instruction.
This hierarchy resolves conflicting instructions. It does not mean that a green light cancels every other rule or restriction.
Flashing amber light: must you obey a STOP sign?
A flashing amber light means you must take extra care and give way when necessary. It does not cancel a STOP sign.
Example: You approach a junction with a flashing amber light and a STOP sign applying to your approach. You must stop and give way before proceeding safely.
If there is a Give Way sign instead, you must give way and stop if necessary. The flashing amber light does not give you priority.
Remember: Flashing amber means caution, not permission to ignore other signs.
Source: Spanish General Traffic Regulations, Annex I, section 4.2(d).
Green light: can you enter a blocked junction?
A steady circular green light permits you to proceed with priority. However, you must not enter a junction if traffic conditions mean you are likely to stop inside it and obstruct crossing traffic.
Example: Your light is green, but the queue beyond the junction leaves no space for your car. Wait before entering rather than blocking vehicles crossing your path.
The same rule applies to pedestrian and cycle crossings: having priority does not allow you to enter and become stranded where you obstruct crossing traffic.
Sources: Article 59 and Annex I, section 4.2(e) of the Spanish General Traffic Regulations.
How does priority work at roundabouts?
For lane choice, safe exits and indicator use, explore our guide to roundabouts in Spain, with practical explanations in English from Luis Sánchez.
Understand the rules with your instructor
Study Spanish driving theory in English with Luis Sánchez. His original audio explains the rules throughout the manual and why each test answer is right or wrong.
Try two topics from Unit 1 and one practice quiz. No registration or payment is required.