Spain will introduce a new set of traffic rules across several regions from Thursday, October 1, under the new General Traffic Regulations (Reglamento General de Circulación), established by Royal Decree 518/2026, dated June 24. The reform brings 12 key changes aimed at improving safety for vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and personal mobility vehicle (VMP) users such as electric scooter riders.
Pedestrian safety and scooter rules
One of the most significant changes affects pedestrian crossings, with the current system that allows pedestrians and vehicles to move at the same time generally being phased out. It will only remain in place where local authorities can justify its use through technical assessments. The move follows studies linking conflicting traffic signals to potential safety risks, designed to give greater priority to pedestrians by reducing the chances of pedestrians and vehicles being directed to proceed simultaneously.
From October 2026, people using electric scooters and other personal mobility vehicles in Spain must be at least 15 years old and will be required to wear a helmet at all times. Riders will also need to wear reflective clothing when travelling at night or in poor visibility, while the maximum speed limit will remain 25km/h on approved routes. Riding on pavements will continue to be banned. The new rules will also introduce compulsory registration and third-party insurance for these vehicles. Helmet and reflective clothing requirements will take effect in 2026, with mandatory daytime lights being introduced a year later in October 2027.
Seat belts, emergency corridors, and motorcyclist protections
The revised regulations will remove several existing exemptions, meaning taxi drivers, driving instructors during lessons, and some professional freight drivers will all be required to wear seat belts. The change is based on evidence showing that seat belts significantly reduce the risk of injury in crashes.
Drivers caught in severe traffic jams will be required to create a clear corridor in the centre of the road so ambulances, police, and other emergency vehicles can get through more quickly, regardless of how many lanes there are. The measure mirrors systems already used in countries such as Germany and Austria. In addition, overtaking will be prohibited on motorways during snowy conditions, with drivers required to stay in the right-hand lane.
Motorcyclists will be allowed to use the road shoulder in some traffic jams where signs permit, as long as they do not travel faster than 30km/h. Under the new rules, riders and passengers will also have to wear protective gloves on roads between towns and cities, as well as closed-toe footwear. Anyone caught riding in sandals or flip-flops could face a €200 fine.
Parking, urban regulations, and cyclist protection
Under the new rules, there will be a clear difference between parking and camping for motorhomes. Vehicles parked in public areas will not be allowed to extend beyond their footprint with items such as awnings, tables, or chairs. Motorhomes must remain supported only on their tyres, without levelling systems or stabilising equipment, and the discharge of liquids outside the vehicle will be prohibited. Any activity considered camping will require appropriate authorisation.
The reforms introduce clearer rules for town and city roads, reflecting the growing mix of pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter users, and other travellers sharing urban spaces. While the regulations set nationwide standards, local councils will still be able to adapt some measures to suit their area's needs.
Drivers passing stationary vehicles involved in accidents, breakdowns, or roadworks will be required to slow down and leave plenty of space when overtaking. Drivers will face tougher rules when overtaking cyclists, including the need to leave at least 1.5 metres of space and slow down significantly while passing. In some urban areas, cyclists may be allowed to travel in both directions on certain low-speed one-way streets if local councils approve the measure and install the appropriate signs.
Pavements, school routes, and vulnerable road users
The new rules suggest that pavements will be reserved solely for pedestrians, meaning bicycles, electric scooters, and other vehicles will not be permitted. The regulations officially recognise "safe school routes", giving legal support to measures aimed at making journeys to and from school safer for children. Local authorities may introduce improvements such as traffic-calming schemes, better pavements, clearer road signs, and supervised crossings.
For the first time, the regulations officially define "vulnerable road users" as those who are more at risk of being injured on the roads. This includes pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, e-scooter users, people with reduced mobility, and children. Under the new approach, other road users will be expected to take extra care around these groups, reflecting a broader shift in Spain's road safety policy towards protecting people rather than prioritising vehicles.
