1. In order to improve traffic flow, when there is more than one lane of traffic in each direction of travel, the traffic authorities may enable lanes for use in the opposite direction to the usual, duly marked in accordance with the provisions of article 144.
The use of lanes enabled for traffic in the opposite direction to the usual is limited to motorcycles and cars, and it is therefore forbidden to other vehicles, including passenger cars with a trailer. The users of this type of lanes will always drive with dipped headlights, at least, both day and night, at a maximum speed of 80 km/hour and a minimum of 60 km/hour, or lower if so established or specifically signposted, and may not move to the side invading the lane or lanes destined for the normal direction of movement, not even to overtake.
Drivers of vehicles travelling in lanes intended for the normal direction of traffic, adjacent to the one enabled for traffic in the opposite direction to the usual, may also not move sideways, invading those lanes enabled for use in the opposite direction to the usual; they will use, at the very least, dipped headlights, both day and night; and, in addition, if they have only one lane in their direction of movement, they will do so at a maximum speed of 80 km/hour and a minimum of 60 km/hour, or lower if so established or specifically marked, and if they have more than one lane in their direction of travel, they will travel at the speeds established in articles 48.1.a) 1st and 2nd, 49 and 50. These drivers will take special care to avoid moving the mobile, or permanent, cones or beacons.
The highway authorities may also enable lanes for use in the opposite direction to the usual, in agreement with the Jefatura Central de Tráfico (Central Traffic Headquarters) or, where appropriate, with the autonomous authority responsible for traffic, when carrying out road works on the highway, and in this case all types of roadworthy vehicles may use these lanes, unless expressly prohibited, under the same conditions established in the preceding paragraphs.
2. Drivers travelling in the direction opposite to that stipulated or in violation of the speed limits will be considered to be guilty of very serious infractions, in the first case, and serious or very serious infractions, as appropriate, in the case of excessive speed.