Spain’s traffic rules are changing from 1 October 2026: what you need to know

Overtaking cyclists and other vulnerable road users: stricter rules

When overtaking cyclists, drivers were already required to maintain a minimum lateral distance of 1.5 metres. From 1 October, the rules will be tightened further.

Outside built-up areas, drivers must now travel at least 20 km/h below the applicable speed limit when overtaking. On a road with a maximum speed of 80 km/h, for example, you may travel at no more than 60 km/h during the overtaking manoeuvre.

The minimum lateral distance of 1.5 metres remains in place. If the road has several lanes travelling in the same direction, drivers must move completely into another lane.

These rules apply when overtaking cyclists, pedestrians, mopeds, electric scooters, animals and other road users who receive additional protection under the regulations.

Extra caution around stationary vehicles

Stricter safety rules also apply when a vehicle is stationary wholly or partly on the carriageway due to a breakdown or accident. The same applies, among other situations, to vehicles stopped in connection with roadside assistance, road maintenance or traffic management.

When passing, drivers must maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 metres and reduce their speed by at least 20 km/h compared with the applicable speed limit.

Mandatory emergency corridor in traffic jams

An important change concerns congestion on Spanish autopistas and autovías. When traffic is moving very slowly or has come to a complete standstill, drivers must create an emergency corridor for priority vehicles.

On a road with two lanes travelling in the same direction, the corridor is formed between the two lanes. Where there are three or more lanes, it is formed between the far-left lane and the lane immediately next to it. Drivers in the far-left lane should move as far to the left as possible, while the remaining traffic moves to the right.

This allows ambulances, police, fire services and other emergency vehicles to reach an accident or other emergency more quickly.

Different rules when driving in snow on motorways

Traffic rules are also being adjusted when snow affects driving conditions on an autopista or autovía. In these circumstances, overtaking is prohibited and ordinary traffic must use the right-hand lane.

On roads with three or more lanes in the same direction, the adjacent lane may also be used. This allows the remaining lanes further to the left to be kept available for emergency services and snow-clearing vehicles.

Seat belt requirements: existing exemptions are being removed

From 1 October, some existing exemptions from seat belt requirements will also be removed. As a result, taxi drivers, drivers of goods vehicles and driving instructors, among others, will be required to wear a seat belt.

For most motorists, nothing changes in this respect, as wearing a seat belt was already compulsory.

New requirements for motorcyclists

Protective requirements for riders and passengers of motorcycles and mopeds, among other vehicles, are being expanded. On roads outside built-up areas, protective gloves will be compulsory.

In addition, both the rider and passenger must wear closed footwear that fully covers the foot. This requirement applies on all types of roads.

Specific technical requirements for protective gloves will be established in additional regulations. Until those rules enter into force, protective gloves of the type currently in use may continue to be worn.

Motorcyclists may use the right-hand hard shoulder on certain sections

During traffic congestion, motorcyclists may use the right-hand hard shoulder on certain sections of road. This does not mean that the hard shoulder may be used whenever there is a traffic jam.

It is only permitted on sections where this is expressly authorised by the appropriate road signs. A maximum speed of 30 km/h applies.

Greater protection for cyclists in Spanish towns and cities

The position of cyclists in urban traffic is also being defined more clearly. Where no dedicated cycling infrastructure is available, cyclists use the carriageway. Where traffic safety permits, they should preferably ride in the centre of their lane.

Drivers travelling behind a cyclist in the same lane must also maintain a minimum distance of five metres.

On urban roads with a single lane and a maximum speed of 30 km/h or lower, local authorities may, where indicated by appropriate signage, allow cyclists to travel in both directions even where other traffic may only travel in one direction.

Cyclists may not simply ride on pavements either. Local authorities may, however, allow children up to and including the age of 12 to cycle there when accompanied by an adult who is walking. In other pedestrian areas, local authorities may permit bicycles and electric scooters under certain conditions, but pedestrians retain priority.

Existing helmet requirements for cyclists are being tightened

Outside built-up areas, cyclists were already required to wear a helmet, although certain exemptions existed. From 1 October, these exemptions will be removed and cyclists must wear an approved or certified cycling helmet on roads outside built-up areas.

For children under the age of 16, helmets remain compulsory on all roads. People who cycle professionally must also wear a helmet on urban roads and roads passing through built-up areas.

Cyclists travelling outside built-up areas between sunset and sunrise or in conditions of significantly reduced visibility must also use at least one luminous or reflective element that is visible from a distance of at least 150 metres.

Electric scooters: minimum age of 15 and compulsory helmet use

National rules for electric scooters, officially referred to in Spanish legislation as Vehículos de Movilidad Personal or VMP, are also being expanded.

The minimum age for using a VMP is set at 15 years. Users must also wear an approved or certified helmet.

At night or in conditions of significantly reduced visibility, the rider must wear at least one luminous or reflective element that is visible from a distance of at least 150 metres.

VMP users must also use their arm to signal manoeuvres to other road users.

Outside built-up areas, electric scooters remain prohibited on ordinary roads in principle. However, they may use segregated cycling infrastructure and roads where motorised traffic is prohibited, unless local signage states otherwise.

The requirement to keep an electric scooter’s lighting permanently switched on during daylight hours as well does not take effect until 1 October 2027.

Additional requirements for professional delivery riders and other professional users

People who travel professionally by bicycle, electric scooter, moped or motorcycle are subject to additional safety requirements. These professional road users must wear a helmet and a reflective vest.

Clearer rules for parking motorhomes

Spain’s traffic regulations now expressly define the conditions that a parked motorhome or other vehicle adapted for use as living accommodation must meet.

Three main conditions apply:

• no elements may extend beyond the normal perimeter of the vehicle;
• the vehicle must rest solely on its tyres, although wheel chocks or other safety devices may be used;
• no liquids from the living area may be discharged.

This provides greater clarity on when a motorhome is considered to be parked. Local authorities nevertheless retain powers to regulate parking in urban areas through local regulations. It is therefore important to always check local road signs and municipal rules.

Greater focus on pedestrians

The reform gives pedestrians a more prominent place in the traffic regulations. Outside built-up areas, pedestrians walking on the carriageway or hard shoulder between sunset and sunrise must use at least one luminous or reflective element. The same requirement applies when weather or environmental conditions significantly reduce visibility.

The element must be visible to approaching drivers from a distance of at least 150 metres.

The position of pedestrians in urban areas is also being clarified. Pavements are, in principle, reserved for pedestrians. Local authorities may permit bicycles and electric scooters in other pedestrian areas under certain conditions, but pedestrians always retain priority.

In addition, pedestrians have priority at every point of the carriageway on streets where the carriageway and pavement are at the same level. Drivers must therefore take particular care around pedestrians using or crossing the carriageway in these areas.

Safe school routes are formally included in the traffic regulations

So-called safe school routes are now expressly included in Spain’s traffic regulations. These are routes that may be established by the competent authorities to enable children to travel to school more safely on foot, by public transport or using non-motorised forms of transport.

Local authorities or other competent road authorities may introduce measures around schools such as lower speed limits, traffic-calming measures and restrictions on motorised traffic.

The regulations also provide for specific measures concerning speed, parking and traffic calming around schools, hospitals and facilities for elderly people or people with disabilities, with the aim of providing greater protection for vulnerable road users.

Changes to traffic lights at pedestrian crossings

The rules governing traffic lights at pedestrian crossings are also being amended. At crossings with separate pedestrian signals, a flashing amber light for vehicles may, as a general rule, no longer coincide with a steady green light for pedestrians.

The aim is to reduce potential conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians crossing the road.

Not all changes take effect on 1 October 2026

Most of the changes contained in Royal Decree 518/2026 take effect on 1 October 2026, although transitional periods apply to certain measures.

For example, the requirement to keep electric scooter lights permanently switched on during daylight hours will not become compulsory until 1 October 2027.

Riders and passengers of mopeds also have a one-year transitional period for the stricter helmet requirement. Until 1 October 2027, they may continue to use certified helmets; after that date, an approved helmet complying with the prescribed standard will be required.

The technical specifications for compulsory protective gloves will be established in a separate ministerial regulation. Until then, protective gloves of the type currently in use may continue to be worn.

Regularly on the road in Spain? Keep these changes in mind

For motorists, everyday driving will not change completely, but several common traffic situations will require additional attention from 1 October. In particular, it is important to be aware of the stricter rules concerning overtaking vulnerable road users, the creation of an emergency corridor in traffic jams and the increased protection of pedestrians.

Those travelling in Spain by motorcycle, bicycle, electric scooter or motorhome will also need to take account of various new, tightened or clarified requirements.

If you live in Spain, own a second home here or regularly travel on Spanish roads, it is advisable to check not only the national traffic regulations but also the local rules and signage applying in your municipality or destination.