Starting October 1, 2026, Spain will implement significant changes to its road safety and traffic regulations. These updates are designed to enhance safety for all road users, including motorists, cyclists, motorcyclists, moped users, pedestrians, and electric scooter riders.
One of the key changes focuses on improving the safety of vulnerable road users. Drivers overtaking cyclists, pedestrians, and mopeds outside of urban areas will be required to maintain a minimum lateral distance of 1.5 meters. On multi-lane roads, drivers must completely change lanes while also reducing their speed by at least 20 km/h below the applicable speed limit during such maneuvers.
Traffic congestion on motorways will also see new protocols. Drivers must position their vehicles to create emergency corridors, allowing clear passage for emergency vehicles when traffic is stationary or moving slowly, and emergency signals are in use.
Motorcyclists and moped riders will need to comply with enhanced safety measures. While helmets remain compulsory, the use of protective gloves and closed footwear covering the entire foot will become mandatory on roads outside built-up areas.
For electric scooter and personal mobility vehicle users, the new rules stipulate wearing approved helmets on all roads and meeting a minimum age requirement of 15. Generally, these riders will be prohibited from using motorways and certain specified roads.
Cyclists will also face updated regulations. Children under 16 will be required to wear helmets on all roads, and cyclists traveling at night or in poor visibility conditions on interurban roads must have appropriate lighting and reflective equipment.
Additional precautions will be necessary for drivers whose vehicles break down on interurban roads. This includes maintaining a sufficient distance and reducing speed when passing stopped vehicles. The revised rules also cover high-visibility vests, mobile phone use, radar-jamming devices, and the movement of heavy vehicles, with some provisions, such as daytime lighting requirements for personal mobility vehicles, being introduced at a later date in October 2027.
These comprehensive changes aim to strengthen road safety and provide clearer guidelines for interactions between motorists and vulnerable road users throughout Spain.
