Driving in snow, fog, floods, fires and holiday traffic

Terms used

• DGT — The DGT is Spain's national traffic authority, which sets road rules and publishes road status and traffic restrictions.
• DANA — A DANA is a severe storm system that can bring sudden, heavy rain and flash floods.
• ES-Alert — ES-Alert is the emergency message system that sends warnings to all phones in an area at risk.
• Guardia Civil — The Guardia Civil is the national police force that patrols roads and enforces traffic rules outside most cities.

Key rules

• Snow chains: Carry chains before you go, because at red level they are mandatory if your vehicle has no 4x4 or winter equipment.
• Black road: A black-level road is closed, so turn back.
• Flooded roads: Never cross a flooded road or underpass, even in a 4x4.
• Emergencies: Call 112 for any danger and follow the emergency services' instructions.
• Holiday calendar: Restriction dates change every year, so check the current DGT calendar.

Snow and mountain roads: carry chains before you go

On mountain roads in winter, the DGT can require snow chains or winter equipment. Signs and road panels tell you where. Where a sign requires chains, you must fit them on the stated stretch. Put chains in the car before you leave, because you cannot buy them on the way up.

The DGT rates roads by colour:

• Green: normal.
• Yellow: take extra care.
• Red: chains or winter equipment are mandatory if your vehicle has no 4x4 or winter equipment.
• Black: the road is closed. Turn back or take another route.

If you ignore the requirement, you can be stopped and fined. A typical fine is EUR 200, and it may be reduced if you pay promptly. Check the DGT road status before you set off.

In fog, slow down and leave a bigger gap. Check the weather warnings before a long trip.

Holiday traffic and restrictions

Peak travel periods are Easter, summer, August, long weekends and national holidays. Each year the DGT publishes a calendar of restrictions on heavy goods vehicles and dangerous goods for these periods. These limits matter mainly for commercial transport. The dates change every year, so look up the current calendar.

The DGT also runs special traffic operations with predicted peak days. On those days it can open reversible lanes and extra lanes, and limit road works. You can follow announcements on the DGT website and app, on the 011 phone line, and on the variable-message signs above the road.

Catalonia and the Basque Country have their own traffic bodies with their own calendars. If you drive there, check theirs as well.

On peak days, leave early or late, and expect queues.

Floods and heavy rain

Follow the weather warnings, which come in yellow, orange and red. Also watch for emergency alerts. ES-Alert messages are sent to every phone in the area, so keep your phone on.

In a flood or DANA alert (a severe storm with heavy rain):

• Avoid non-essential travel.
• Never cross a flooded road or underpass, even in a 4x4.
• Never park in a dry riverbed or in low-lying places.
• If your car is trapped, leave it and climb to higher ground.

Obey closures and diversions from the DGT, the Guardia Civil and the police.

Fires

Fire closures work like any other closure: follow the diversions. If you drive near a fire, do not stop near smoke. Close the windows and vents, and follow any evacuation order. Call 112 for any danger. If emergency services at the scene tell you something different from this page, do what they say.

The checklist and warnings below cover the key steps in short form.

Checklist

• Pack snow chains before you travel to mountain roads in winter.

• Check the DGT road status before you leave: green is normal, and at red you need chains or winter equipment unless you have a 4x4.

• Turn back at a black level road, because it is closed.

• Follow AEMET weather warnings and keep your phone on to receive ES-Alert messages.

• Avoid non-essential travel during a flood alert.

• Park away from dry riverbeds and low-lying places.

• Follow diversions and closures from the DGT, Guardia Civil and police, including fire closures.

• Close windows and vents and do not stop near smoke if you drive past a fire.

What to watch out for

• Driving without chains where required: Ignoring a chain or winter equipment requirement can bring a fine, typically 200 euros, and you can be forced to stop. Carry chains before you travel and check the DGT road status.

• Crossing flooded roads: A flooded road or underpass can trap your car, even a 4x4. Never cross it. If trapped, leave the car, climb to higher ground and call 112.

• Stopping near fire smoke: Stopping on a road near smoke puts you at risk and blocks evacuation.

• Holiday peak days: Peak travel periods bring heavy traffic and special operations such as reversible lanes. Check the DGT calendar, website and app before you set off.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I ignore a snow chain sign?

You can be fined, typically 200 euros, and you can be forced to stop. The fine may be reduced if you pay promptly. Chains are required on the stretch where the sign says so.

Where can I find the dates of holiday traffic restrictions?

The DGT publishes a yearly calendar of peak travel periods on its website and in the official gazette. It also announces special traffic operations with predicted peak days through its app, the 011 phone line and road signs. Catalonia and the Basque Country publish their own calendars.