Discover with Furgonetas Piqueras the traffic regulations for vans and everything you need to know to avoid fines and travel safely.
It sounds simple: you rent a van, load it up and hit the road. But did you know that vans are subject to specific traffic rules that you must follow? Driving without knowing them can lead to fines, penalties or even risk your safety. In this article, we explain — in plain language — everything you need to know about traffic regulations for vans in Spain.
Whether you’re driving a van for the first time or planning a move or a one-off transport job, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes and get around with peace of mind
What Do Traffic Regulations Say About Vans?
Traffic law distinguishes between private cars and transport vehicles like vans. While many vans can be driven with a standard driving licence (category B), there are key differences in terms of weight, use and circulation.
Vans are considered light commercial vehicles, and that means they’re subject to additional restrictions — from loading and unloading schedules in urban areas, to specific speed limits and rules on how cargo should be secured.
Maximum Authorised Weight for Vans (MAM)
One of the most important aspects of the regulations is the maximum authorised weight for vans, known in Spain as MMA (Masa Máxima Autorizada).
–If the van does not exceed 3,500 kg MAM, you can drive it with a category B licence. This applies to all the models available at Furgonetas Piqueras (small, medium, large, and light vans).
–If it exceeds this limit, you’ll need a category C licence, which is required for lorries and larger commercial vehicles.
Practical tip: Even if the van allows up to 900 or 1,000 kg of load, you must never exceed its MAM. Overloading is not only illegal — it also affects braking, vehicle control and fuel efficiency.
Loading and Unloading Rules for Vans
Another key point in the traffic regulations for vans is how and when loading and unloading can be done.
In most Spanish cities, there are dedicated loading zones with limited hours (typically from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.). If you load or unload outside these hours, you could be fined.
Also, the law requires:
- That cargo is properly secured to avoid movement during transit.
- That the driver’s visibility is not obstructed.
- That the load does not stick out more than 10% of the van’s length (and only if it is indivisible).
Important: the load must be evenly distributed. This isn’t just a safety recommendation — unbalanced loading can make the vehicle unstable when turning or braking.
What Licence Do You Need to Drive a Van?
This is one of the most common questions. As mentioned, you can drive a van with a category B licence as long as its MAM does not exceed 3,500 kg. At Furgonetas Piqueras, all our vans fall within this range.
This means you don’t need a special permit or previous experience with commercial vehicles. Still, if it’s your first time behind the wheel of a van, we recommend a short test drive or basic guidance on handling (dimensions, visibility, behaviour when loaded, etc.).
Speed Limits and Other Specific Rules
According to the Spanish DGT (Traffic Authority), speed limits for vans on interurban roads differ from those for cars:
- Motorways and dual carriageways: 90 km/h (instead of 120 km/h for cars)
- Conventional roads: 80 km/h (instead of 90 km/h)
- Urban areas: 50 km/h or less, depending on the street
If you’re transporting goods or using the van for work, pay attention to low-emission zone restrictions (ZBE), which are increasingly common in cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
What If I Only Rent the Van for a Few Hours?
At Furgonetas Piqueras, you can rent a van by the hour, day or even by the month. But traffic regulations apply all the same, even if you’re only using it for a short time. That’s why it’s essential to know the rules before setting off — especially for urban journeys involving cargo.
Know the Rules Before Getting Behind the Wheel
Understanding the traffic regulations for vans is essential before hiring or driving one. It’s not just about complying with the law — it’s also about staying safe, avoiding fines and driving with confidence.
At Furgonetas Piqueras, we help you from the very start. All our vehicles comply with current regulations, and if you have any doubts about the maximum authorised weight, loading and unloading, or the licence required, our team is ready to assist you.
