Are you confused by Spain’s empty sign on the road? Here’s what it means – and why it could cost you €200

The majority of us believe we are pretty knowledgeable about road signs. Zebra crossings are a warning to the grandmother with the shopping cart that she should slow down. Easy, right? But if you’ve ever driven in Spain, you might have noticed a rather mysterious sign popping up – a simple white circle with a red border, and nothing inside. No arrow, no bike, no car, just… empty.

You are not alone in scratching your heads, wondering what it means.

This “empty road” sign is one of those that are most misunderstood by Brits, expats and locals alike. Worse still, getting it wrong isn’t just embarrassing – it could leave you €200 poorer and a few points lighter on your driving licence.

What is the meaning of this cryptic message? What can you do to avoid an expensive mistake?

Empty road signs in Spain: What you need to know

What does it mean? The R-100 is the official name of this “empty” road sign in Spain. It means one and only one thing – no vehicles allowed. Not for cars, not for vans, not even for electric scooters or bikes – unless you’ve got a special exemption.

You’ll see this sign at the entrance of pedestrian zones, in narrow streets, and on roads that may be closed to traffic during festivals, markets, or just when there are too many tourists.
You might see it near schools at pick-up and drop-off times, or in those lovely, cobbled plazas where café tables spill out onto the street.

What is the problem? To the untrained eye, it’s all too easy to mistake it for something less important – a sign that doesn’t seem to say anything at all. If you ignore it, you are breaking the law.

What happens if I ignore it? More than just an awkward moment…

You might think, “Surely, they’re just not that strict?” But Spain’s traffic authorities take this sign – and road safety in general – extremely seriously.
The law is crystal clear: if you’re caught driving past the “empty” sign without permission, you’re looking at an on-the-spot fine of up to €200, and you could also lose points on your driving licence. No matter if it’s a car rental, a personal vehicle or even an electric scooter, the rule applies to everyone. This rule is for everyone.

The goal is not to catch people by surprise, but rather to protect areas that are unsafe or where vehicles aren’t desired. Think of busy shopping streets at the weekend, lanes packed with children heading to school, and historic centres, where a delivery truck could cause more damage than just a few flowers.

The police have heard it all: “But the writing was not there!” The local police have heard all the excuses: “But there was no writing!” Sadly, not knowing what the sign means isn’t an excuse that will get you off the hook – even for tourists and expats who might be used to totally different road rules back home.

The Spanish road signage rulebook is all about hierarchy

Spanish road signs have a specific hierarchy. This is another trick that confuses newcomers. It’s not always about what’s biggest or brightest – it’s about who (or what) has the final say.

The traffic police is at the top. When an officer is waving (or halting) you, their instructions take precedence even if the light or sign say stop.

Next up are temporary signs – the kind you see for roadworks, festivals, or sporting events. These signs are often placed on stands or cones and can be used to replace regular road markings or signs.

Next, you have traffic lights. Then, there are the fixed vertical signs, like our famous R-100 “empty circle”, and lastly, the painted lines with arrows.

So if you ever spot what looks like a contradiction – maybe the road paint says go, but the sign says no – always follow the highest-priority instruction. When in doubt, it’s best to assume that you shouldn’t be going through.

Why it’s worth knowing – even if you’re just visiting

Even the most basic road signs are important. They can save you time and money. Spanish towns are removing cars from their centre, and you can see the red-and-white empty sign everywhere.
Keep your eyes open, whether you are living in Spain for several months or renting a vehicle for a few days in the sunshine.

It’s also not about avoiding penalties. These rules were designed to keep pedestrians and city centers safe. A bit of caution – and a bit of homework before you set off – goes a long way.

The next time you are driving through Spain and see the mysterious “empty” signs, you will know exactly what you should do. You can stop, turn and take another route. Your wallet – and your driving licence – will thank you for it.