Riding a Motorcycle in Spain

There’s nothing quite like the sensation of riding a motorcycle in the sunshine, with the heat of the sun against your back. That’s why Spain is such a wonderful place to own a motorcycle: its glorious year-round sunshine and expanses of winding roads make it a motorcycle-enthusiasts dream.

Whether you live in Spain and own a motorcycle or are hoping to hire a motorcycle during your holiday in Spin, then it’s important that you understand the laws surrounding riding a motorcycle in Spain.

With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know:

Holding the Right License

If you’re hoping to ride a motorcycle during your time in Spain, then it’s important that you hold the right type of driving license. The codes on the back of your license will determine the kind of vehicle or motorcycle you’re allowed to drive; if you want to drive something more powerful then you may need to secure a new license. The four classes of license are AM, A1, A2 and A and they are similar to those in the UK.

• Most people hold a category B driving license, which puts them into the AM group. If this is you, then you are able to ride a moped, scooter or lightweight ATV with two or three wheels of up to 50cc as long as the vehicle cannot exceed 45 kph. You can hold this type of license from the age of 15.
• Once you have held a category B driving license for 3 years, you can upgrade it to an A1 license. If you wish to ride a bigger motorcycle, scooter or moped with up to 125cc engine, or maximum of 15hp then this is the license you will need. You can hold this type of license from the age of 16. Obtaining an A1 license will require passing four different tests. These are a general written test, an A1 written test, a closed-circuit riding test and an open riding test.
• At 18 years of age, you can apply for an A2 category license. This will allow you to ride the same vehicles as an A1 category license, as well as a moped, scooter or lightweight ATV with two or three wheels of up to 50cc as long as the vehicle cannot exceed 45 kph. Once again, there are four separate tests that you need to take in order to secure this license.
• Finally, two years after you have secured the A2 license, you can secure the category A driver's license. This will allow you to drive a motorcycle of any size, and to hold this license you must be at least 20 years of age.

 The Requirements for Renting a Motorcycle

 If you don’t live in Spain and want to rent a motorcycle during your holiday to the country, then you can rent one provided you are at least 18 years of age and have, at the minimum, a Class B driving license. It’s important to remember that, just because you might see plenty of Spanish riders without helmets, it is a legal requirement to ride a safety helmet no matter what size of motorcycle or moped you choose. And considerably better for your long-term health too!  What’s more, failure to ride a helmet can result in an on the spot 100 euro fine.

Carrying the Right Documentation

As well as grabbing your helmet, you will also need to ensure that you carry the relevant documentation with you whenever you ride your motorcycle. A comprehensive list of the paperwork you need is below:

• Valid driving licence
• ITV/MOT Certificate - This is known as the  Inspección técnica de vehículos
• Logbook - Permiso de Circulación
• Insurance Policy. You cannot ride a motorcycle in Spain without at least third-party insurance coverage.
• European Accident Agreement Form
• Road tax. It is a legal requirement to ensure that your motocycle (no matter its size) has the relevant road tax.

You should also carry a High Visibility jacket with you in the event of a breakdown. Much like having a motorcycle helmet, breaking down without a high vis jacket could result in a fine whether you are riding a motorcycle or driving a car.

Understanding Speed Limits

Just like cars, motorcycles have to obey speed limits when they are riding on public roads in Spain. The speed limit for motorcycles and mopeds on Spanish roads vary, depending on the size of the road that you are using. You can find some examples below:

• On Urban Roads with no hard shoulder there is a maximum 90 Kph speed limit for motorcycles, 45 Kph for mopeds, tricycles and light quads.
• On Non-Urban Roads with hard shoulder there is a maximum 100 Kph for motorcycles, 45 Kph for mopeds, tricycles and light quads.
• On Motorways there is a maximum speed limit of 120 Kph for motorcycles. Mopeds, tricycles and quads are not permitted to travel on motorways.

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