Starting October 1, 2026, Spain will implement significant changes to its road safety and traffic regulations, impacting a wide range of road users including motorists, cyclists, motorcyclists, moped users, pedestrians, and electric scooter riders. These updates aim to enhance safety measures and clarify interactions between motorists and vulnerable road users.
For drivers, new rules mandate a minimum lateral distance of 1.5 meters when overtaking cyclists, pedestrians, mopeds, and other vulnerable road users outside built-up areas. On multi-lane roads, drivers must change lanes entirely while overtaking. Additionally, drivers are required to reduce their speed by at least 20 km/h below the applicable speed limit during such maneuvers.
Motorcyclists and moped riders will face stricter safety requirements. While approved helmets remain compulsory, wearing protective gloves will become mandatory on roads outside built-up areas, along with closed footwear covering the entire foot. For electric scooter and personal mobility vehicle users, approved helmet use will be required on all roads, and riders must be at least 15 years old. They will also be generally prohibited from using motorways and certain other roads.
Cyclists will see updates to lane positioning and overtaking rules. Children under 16 will need to wear helmets on all roads. Cyclists traveling at night or in low visibility conditions on interurban roads must use appropriate lighting and reflective equipment.
New protocols are also set for traffic congestion on motorways, where drivers will need to create clear passages for emergency vehicles when traffic is stationary or moving slowly and emergency signals are active. Furthermore, drivers whose vehicles break down on interurban roads must maintain a safe distance and reduce speed when passing stopped vehicles.
Additional regulations include the use of high-visibility vests, restrictions on mobile phone use, and prohibitions against radar-jamming equipment. Some changes, such as requirements for daytime lighting on personal mobility vehicles, will be rolled out in October 2027, with transitional arrangements applying to certain moped helmets and other technical safety equipment.
The comprehensive updates are part of Spain’s efforts to bolster road safety and ensure clearer guidelines for road interactions, ultimately aiming for a safer travel environment for all road users.