Spanish Warning Signs (P Series) Explained

Spanish warning signs are the red-bordered triangles in the P series, and every one of them tells you the same thing: a hazard is coming, so slow down and stay alert. On the DGT theory test they show up constantly, and English speakers lose easy marks by confusing similar shapes. This guide explains the P signs in plain English, grouped by what they warn about, so you can recognise each one at a glance.

What are P signs?

P signs are Spain's danger or warning signs. They are triangular, point upwards, and have a white background with a red border and a black symbol inside. The "P" code stands for peligro, meaning danger. Unlike a prohibition sign, a warning sign never orders you to do anything specific. It simply tells you what to expect ahead so you can adjust your speed and position in time.

Because they only warn, you will not be fined for "disobeying" a P sign. But ignoring one is how accidents happen, and the exam tests whether you can read them correctly. If you also need the round red-and-white signs, see our Spanish prohibition signs explained guide, and for the full picture start with Spanish road signs in English.

What do the junction and priority P signs mean?

Several P signs warn about junctions and who has priority, and these are among the most tested on the exam. The single most confusing one for English speakers is P-1, so read this section carefully. Getting priority signs right is often the difference between passing and failing the road-signs questions.

• P-1, intersection where you have priority. This triangle shows a vertical arrow with a smaller side road joining it. It means you are on the main road and the traffic joining from the side has to give way to you. It is not a bend, and it does not mean you must turn. This is the classic trap on the test.
• P-1a and P-1b are the same idea but specific: priority over a road joining from the right (P-1a) or from the left (P-1b).
• P-2, intersection with priority to the right. Here traffic coming from your right has priority, so you may have to give way. It reminds you of the default Spanish rule at unmarked junctions.
• P-3, traffic lights ahead. A triangle showing a set of traffic lights. It warns you that a signalised junction or crossing is coming, often where you would not expect one.
• P-4, roundabout ahead. Three curved arrows in a circle. It tells you a roundabout is coming so you can slow down and prepare to give way to traffic already on it.

The key takeaway: P-1 gives you priority, P-2 takes it away. Mix those two up and you will answer the priority questions wrong.

Which P signs describe bends and road shape?

A large group of P signs warns about the shape of the road ahead: bends, gradients, and changes in the width or surface. These are common on Spanish rural and mountain roads, and the test likes to check whether you can tell a single bend from a double bend, and a descent from an ascent.

Bends

• P-13a, dangerous bend to the right. A single curve turning right.
• P-13b, dangerous bend to the left. The mirror image, a single curve turning left.
• P-14a, double bend, first to the right. Two linked curves, the first bending right.
• P-14b, double bend, first to the left. Two linked curves, the first bending left.

Gradients, narrowing and surface

• P-15, uneven road surface. Warns of bumps or an irregular profile in the road.
• P-16a, steep descent. A downhill gradient with the percentage often shown.
• P-16b, steep ascent. An uphill gradient.
• P-17, road narrows. The carriageway gets narrower ahead, on one or both sides.

A quick memory tip: on P-16a the slope in the symbol points down, on P-16b it points up. Read the picture, not just the code.

What do the road surface and weather P signs warn about?

Some P signs warn about conditions that reduce your grip or your visibility. On Spanish roads these matter in mountain passes, coastal stretches, and anywhere the weather turns fast. The exam often pairs the two slippery-road signs to see if you know the difference between general slipperiness and ice.

• P-19, slippery road surface. A car with wavy skid lines behind it. The road may be slippery, often when wet.
• P-28, loose chippings. Warns of loose gravel or stones thrown up by vehicles, common near roadworks or freshly surfaced roads.
• P-29, crosswind. A windsock symbol. Strong side wind ahead, so grip the wheel and expect to be pushed sideways.
• P-33, reduced visibility. Warns that visibility may drop because of fog, rain or smoke.
• P-34, road slippery due to ice or snow. The specific winter version of P-19, warning of ice or snow rather than general wet.

Watch the pairing: P-19 is general slipperiness, P-34 is ice or snow. The exam will offer both as options.

Which P signs warn about people and animals?

Another group of P signs warns that vulnerable road users or animals may be on or near the road. These signs mean the same thing everywhere in Spain, and the symbols are usually intuitive, which makes them easy marks if you learn them once.

• P-20, pedestrians. An adult walking figure. People may be crossing or walking in the road ahead.
• P-21, children. Two children, often near schools. Expect children who may step out suddenly.
• P-22, cyclists. A bicycle symbol. Cyclists may be crossing or sharing the road.
• P-23, domestic animals. Usually a cow or similar. Livestock or farm animals may be on the road.
• P-24, wild animals. Typically a leaping deer. Wild animals may cross, a real risk on rural Spanish roads at dawn and dusk.

The common mix-up here is P-23 versus P-24: domestic animals (livestock, often a cow) against wild animals (usually a deer). Look at the animal in the symbol.

What do the other P signs mean?

Two more P signs are worth knowing because they cover situations the others do not. Both appear on the theory test, and P-50 in particular is a catch-all you should recognise even though it has no specific picture.

• P-25, two-way traffic. Two vertical arrows pointing in opposite directions. It warns that a road you might assume is one-way actually carries traffic in both directions, common where a dual carriageway ends.
• P-50, other dangers. A triangle with just an exclamation mark. It warns of a hazard that has no dedicated sign of its own. When you see it, slow down and look for a supplementary panel or the hazard itself.

Spanish warning signs quick reference table

Here is a quick reference for the main P signs, with the Spanish name and the English meaning side by side.

You can drill all of these by topic on the practice topics page, where the signs appear in real exam-style questions.

Frequently asked questions

What does the P-1 sign mean?

P-1 is the "intersection where you have priority" sign. It is a red triangle showing a main road with a smaller side road joining it. It means you are on the priority road and joining traffic must give way to you. It is not a bend and does not mean you must turn.

Are Spanish warning signs the same as prohibition signs?

No. Warning signs (P series) are red-bordered triangles that alert you to a hazard ahead. Prohibition signs (R series) are round and tell you what you must not do, such as no overtaking or no entry. See our prohibition signs guide for those.

What is the difference between P-19 and P-34?

Both warn of a slippery surface. P-19 is a general slippery-road warning, often for wet conditions. P-34 is the specific version for a road made slippery by ice or snow. The exam frequently offers both as answer options, so read the symbol carefully.

Does P-23 or P-24 mean wild animals?

P-24 means wild animals, usually shown as a leaping deer, and it warns they may cross the road. P-23 means domestic animals or livestock, often shown as a cow. If the symbol is a deer, it is wild animals (P-24).

Do warning signs carry a fine?

Warning signs do not order you to do anything, so there is no fine for the sign itself. But they exist because the hazard is real, and the DGT theory test expects you to recognise each one and react appropriately.

Sources

• DGT catálogo oficial de señales de tráfico.

Last updated: August 2026.