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 road safety and clarify rules for interactions among different types of road users.
One major change involves the requirements for overtaking vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, and moped riders. Motorists will need to maintain a minimum lateral distance of 1.5 meters outside built-up areas. On roads with multiple lanes going in the same direction, drivers must completely change lanes. Additionally, when overtaking, drivers are required to reduce their speed by at least 20 km/h below the applicable speed limit.
New rules also address traffic congestion on motorways, mandating that drivers create clear passages for emergency vehicles when traffic is stationary or moving slowly and when emergency signals are active. This measure is expected to facilitate quicker emergency response and enhance overall safety.
Motorcyclists and moped riders will need to adhere to stricter safety gear requirements, with approved helmets remaining compulsory. New regulations will require them to wear protective gloves and closed footwear that covers the entire foot when riding on roads outside built-up areas.
Electric scooter users and other personal mobility vehicle riders will face new stipulations, including mandatory helmet use on all roads, a minimum age requirement of 15, and generally being banned from motorways and certain other roads. Cyclists will also have updated rules for lane positioning and overtaking, with children under 16 required to wear helmets on all roads and all cyclists needing proper lighting and reflective gear when traveling at night or in poor visibility on interurban roads.
For drivers encountering breakdowns on interurban roads, the new regulations specify additional precautions, including maintaining a safe distance from stopped vehicles and reducing speed. Other new requirements address high-visibility vests, mobile phone use, radar-jamming equipment, and the movement of heavy vehicles.
Some provisions will be introduced at a later date, such as specific daytime lighting requirements for personal mobility vehicles starting in October 2027. Transitional arrangements will also apply to certain moped helmets and technical safety equipment. Overall, these changes are designed to bolster road safety and provide clearer guidelines for interactions between various road users across Spain.