Spain’s New Traffic Rules for Trevellers in 2026

Hiring a car for a Spanish road trip, exploring an island by motorcycle or renting an electric scooter for a city outing? Spain’s updated traffic regulations introduce changes worth knowing before you set off.

Most measures took effect on 1 October 2026. The reform places greater emphasis on protecting vulnerable road users, including cyclists, pedestrians and people using personal mobility vehicles.

Some requirements have a later start date, while others depend on local signs and designated routes. Here are the key points for visitors.

Give Cyclists More Space – and Pass More Slowly

On roads outside built-up areas, drivers overtaking cyclists must travel at least 20 km/h below the applicable speed limit.

On a stretch limited to 90 km/h, for example, the overtaking speed must not exceed 70 km/h. A lower speed may still be necessary for the conditions.

Drivers must also leave at least 1.5 metres of lateral clearance. Where there is more than one lane in the same direction, they must move fully into another lane.

In urban areas, motorists following a bicycle in the same lane must maintain a gap of at least five metres.

For visitors driving unfamiliar coastal or mountain roads, the practical message is straightforward: wait until there is enough space and visibility to pass safely.

Leave a Corridor for Emergency Vehicles

On motorways and autovías, traffic moving at walking pace or standing still must move aside to provide a passage for approaching emergency vehicles.

On a two-lane carriageway, the corridor runs between the lanes. With three or more lanes, it runs between the leftmost lane and the lane immediately beside it.

This is not an extra lane for ordinary traffic.

The reform also introduces specific arrangements when snow makes driving difficult, including a ban on overtaking and keeping lanes on the left available for emergency vehicles and snowploughs.

Motorcycle Hire: Bring Proper Footwear and Gloves

Riders and passengers must wear footwear covering the whole foot on all roads. Protective gloves are required on roads outside built-up areas.

If you are hiring a motorcycle or moped for your holiday, check what protective equipment the rental includes before collection.

The reform also allows motorcycles to use the right-hand shoulder in stationary congestion, but only on specifically authorised and signposted sections. Riders must travel in single file, exercise particular care and stay at or below 30 km/h.

Do not assume that a traffic queue gives you permission to use the shoulder.

Electric Scooters: Helmets and a Minimum Age

Electric scooters falling within Spain’s personal mobility vehicle category, known as VMPs, now have a national minimum riding age of 15.

Riders must wear a properly fastened approved or certified helmet. At night or in poor visibility, they must also use a qualifying luminous or reflective element visible from at least 150 metres.

Pavements are not riding routes. Municipal rules determine where these vehicles may circulate, so check local requirements before hiring.

The new obligation to keep scooter lights on during daylight has a transition period: it becomes enforceable on 1 October 2027.

Cycling: Helmet Rules Have Been Tightened

Helmets are compulsory for cyclists on roads outside built-up areas, with the previous exemptions removed.

For children under 16, helmets remain compulsory on all roads. Professional cyclists, such as delivery riders, also face helmet requirements in urban areas.

The updated urban rules favour cycling near the centre of the lane. Ordinary pavements remain pedestrian spaces, while designated pavement-level cycle facilities have separate arrangements.

Visitors should follow local signs rather than assuming that every promenade or pedestrian area permits cycling.

Changes at Pedestrian Crossings

As a general rule, a flashing amber signal for vehicles must not coincide with a steady green pedestrian signal at a signal-controlled crossing.

For anyone exploring Spanish towns on foot, it remains important to check that approaching vehicles have stopped before crossing.

Before You Collect a Rental

Ask your provider about the equipment included, the routes you may use and any local restrictions.

Drivers should pay particular attention to cyclists and emergency corridors. Motorcycle customers need suitable footwear and gloves, while electric scooter users should check helmets, age requirements and permitted riding areas.

A few checks before departure can help keep your holiday journeys straightforward, whether you are heading along the coast or exploring a city.