Spain is set to implement significant changes to its road safety and traffic rules starting October 1, 2026, impacting a broad spectrum of road users, including motorists, cyclists, motorcyclists, moped users, pedestrians, and electric scooter riders. The updated regulations aim to enhance safety and clarify interactions between vehicles and vulnerable road users.
A key change involves motorists overtaking vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians outside built-up areas. Drivers will be required to maintain a minimum lateral distance of 1.5 meters. On multi-lane roads, drivers must fully change lanes when overtaking these users and reduce their speed by at least 20 km/h below the speed limit during these maneuvers.
Traffic congestion on motorways will also see new regulations. Vehicles must be positioned to create a clear passage for emergency vehicles when traffic is stationary or moving slowly, and emergency signals are activated.
Motorcyclists and moped riders will face stricter safety requirements. While approved helmets remain mandatory, they will also need to wear protective gloves and closed footwear that covers the entire foot when riding outside built-up areas. Electric scooter and personal mobility vehicle users will be required to wear approved helmets on all roads, adhere to a minimum age of 15, and will generally be restricted from using motorways and certain roads.
For cyclists, the new rules will address lane positioning and overtaking procedures. Children under 16 must wear helmets on all roads, while cyclists riding at night or in poor visibility on interurban roads must use appropriate lighting and reflective gear.
Drivers encountering broken-down vehicles on interurban roads will need to take additional precautions, such as maintaining a safe distance and reducing speed when passing stopped vehicles. Other provisions include requirements for high-visibility vests, restrictions on mobile phone use, and measures regarding radar-jamming devices and heavy vehicle movements.
Some aspects of the new regulations will be phased in over time. For instance, certain requirements for daytime lighting on personal mobility vehicles are scheduled to take effect in October 2027, with transitional arrangements for some moped helmets and safety equipment.