Spain has maintained a strict speed limit for cars and motorcycles on highways and expressways for many years—no more than 120 km/h. The National Traffic Directorate (DGT) traditionally does not allow any relaxation on this issue, emphasizing the importance of maximum focus while driving and maintaining safe distances between vehicles.
However, at the beginning of 2025, the agency led by Pere Navarro launched an experiment that could bring significant changes to traffic organization. In Catalonia, on a section of the AP-7 near El Vendrell (Tarragona province), an artificial intelligence-based system has been introduced, allowing the speed limit to be temporarily raised to 150 km/h. The project is still in the testing phase, and its implementation requires meeting a set of conditions.
For drivers to take advantage of the new speed limit, several criteria must be met. These include low traffic density, no congestion, good road surface conditions, and favorable weather. In addition, the intelligent software analyzes driving style. If all parameters meet the established standards, electronic displays along the highway show a notification indicating the possibility of driving above the usual limit.
Similar initiatives are already being implemented in several European countries. For example, in the Czech Republic, a 60-kilometer section of the D3 motorway between České Budějovice and Tábor allows speeds of up to 150 km/h. Meanwhile, in France, Italy, and Australia, the maximum limit is set at 130 km/h. In the Netherlands, on the contrary, there is a discussion about lowering the speed limit to 100 km/h on certain stretches of road, despite maintaining 130 km/h on others.
The Spanish experiment could set a precedent for further changes to national traffic regulations. If the trials are successfully completed and deemed safe, similar technologies could be implemented on other motorways across the country. Authorities emphasize that ensuring the safety of all road users remains the top priority, and any innovations will be closely monitored and thoroughly evaluated for effectiveness.
