Lanzarote Motorcyclist Investigated After Being Caught at 148 km/h on 60 km/h Road
A motorcyclist is being investigated for an alleged road-safety offence after being detected travelling at 148 km/h on a road in the south of Lanzarote where the maximum permitted speed is 60 km/h.
The case was announced by the Guardia Civil on 18 September 2026 following a speed-control operation carried out in August on the road between Femés and Playa Blanca, in the municipality of Yaiza.
According to the information released by the Guardia Civil, traffic officers from the Arrecife Traffic Detachment were carrying out a speed check at kilometre 1.700 of the road when the vehicle was detected at 148 km/h. That is 88 km/h above the posted limit.
The driver was subsequently identified and is being investigated for a suspected offence against road safety because the speed was more than 80 km/h above the maximum permitted speed on an interurban road. The proceedings have been sent to Investigating Court Number 3 in Arrecife.
WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?
Under Article 379 of Spain's Penal Code, exceeding the maximum speed by more than 80 km/h on an interurban road can constitute a criminal offence. Depending on the circumstances and the outcome of the proceedings, the law provides for possible imprisonment of three to six months, a fine of six to twelve months, or community service of 31 to 90 days. It can also involve a driving disqualification of between one and four years.
It is important to stress that being investigated is not the same as being convicted. The court process will determine any eventual legal consequences.
A REMINDER FOR ANYONE DRIVING IN LANZAROTE
For residents and visitors, the incident is a useful reminder to pay attention to speed limits when driving in Lanzarote. The island has a mixture of major roads, smaller rural routes, winding sections and roads passing through villages and tourist areas, so the permitted speed can change from one section to another.
The Femés to Playa Blanca route is particularly familiar to people travelling between the inland village of Femés and the popular resort of Playa Blanca. It is also part of the wider road network around Yaiza and the south of Lanzarote.
For tourists hiring a car in Lanzarote, the best approach is simple: follow the signs, check the posted speed limit and allow plenty of time for your journey. Drivers should also adapt their speed to traffic, road conditions, weather and visibility.
THIS IS AN INDIVIDUAL ENFORCEMENT CASE
Speed controls are part of normal road-safety enforcement, and the vast majority of visitors travel around Lanzarote without incident. The main message for anyone exploring Lanzarote by car, scooter or motorcycle is simply to respect the local speed limits and drive according to the conditions.
If you are planning a Lanzarote road trip, the roads around Yaiza, Playa Blanca and Femés offer access to some of the island's best-known landscapes and attractions. Taking your time is part of the experience — and on Lanzarote, there is usually plenty worth stopping to see along the way.
An Ai Generated Image has been used in this Article.
