Lorraine Williamson
New road rules have come into force across Spain, bringing changes for drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and electric-scooter users, as well as new requirements for traffic jams, snow, and emergency vehicles.
Spain’s updated General Traffic Regulations came into force on Thursday 1 October, introducing one of the most substantial sets of changes to everyday road use in recent years. The reform focuses particularly on protecting vulnerable road users. This includes pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and users of personal mobility vehicles such as electric scooters.
Some of the changes will be immediately noticeable, from new protective-equipment requirements to stricter rules when overtaking cyclists. Others affect situations any driver could encounter, including motorway traffic jams and passing vehicles stopped after an accident or breakdown.
New rules for electric scooters
Spain has introduced a national minimum age of 15 for riding a personal mobility vehicle (VMP), the category that includes most electric scooters. Users must now wear a protective helmet, while a reflective vest is compulsory at night or when visibility is poor.
Outside urban areas, VMP users can travel on routes separated from motor traffic, such as cycle lanes, unless signs specifically prohibit them. However, one change does not start today: the requirement for VMPs to use permanent lighting even during daylight hours takes effect on 1 October 2027.
Drivers face tougher rules when overtaking cyclists
One of the biggest changes for motorists concerns overtaking bicycles on roads outside built-up areas. Drivers must reduce their speed by at least 20km/h below the road’s speed limit while manoeuvring and maintain a minimum lateral distance of 1.5 metres.
Where there is more than one lane travelling in the same direction, drivers must now move completely into the adjoining lane to overtake a cyclist. In urban areas, motorists following a cyclist in the same lane must maintain at least five metres of distance.
Cyclists themselves must now wear helmets on interurban roads without the exemptions that previously applied in certain circumstances.
Motorcyclists must wear gloves and closed footwear
Motorcyclists and their passengers face new protective-equipment requirements. Protective gloves are required on interurban roads, while closed footwear must be worn on all types of road.
The reform also allows motorcyclists to use the right-hand hard shoulder during designated periods of traffic congestion. This is provided the section has been authorised and signposted, and they do not exceed 30km/h.
There is another important date to remember. From 1 October 2027, moped users will be required to wear an approved homologated helmet rather than one that is merely certified.
A new rule for motorway traffic jams
The reform introduces an emergency-corridor system for motorways and dual carriageways. When traffic is stationary or moving at walking pace, drivers must position their vehicles to create a clear route through which emergency services can pass.
On a two-lane carriageway, vehicles move towards their respective sides, creating a corridor through the centre. Where there are three lanes, vehicles in the left lane move left while those in the centre and right lanes move right, creating the emergency route between the left and centre lanes.
This is particularly relevant after serious accidents. Especially when ambulances, police and firefighters can lose valuable time trying to move through stationary traffic.
New rules when passing a breakdown or accident
Drivers approaching stationary vehicles involved in an accident, breakdown, roadside assistance, maintenance or traffic-control operation also face a new requirement.
When passing, motorists must leave at least 1.5 metres of lateral separation and reduce their speed by at least 20km/h below the road’s normal limit. The aim is to provide greater protection to people working or standing alongside the carriageway.
What changes when it snows?
There are also new requirements for driving on motorways and autovías when snow makes circulation difficult. Overtaking is prohibited in these conditions, and the left lane must be kept clear for emergency vehicles and snowploughs.
The change is designed to prevent emergency and road-maintenance vehicles from becoming trapped behind ordinary traffic during severe winter weather.
Seat-belt exemptions removed
Some long-standing exemptions from Spain’s seat-belt rules have also disappeared. Taxi drivers, goods-vehicle drivers and driving instructors must now wear seat belts at all times.
A specific exemption remains for passengers in suitably equipped ambulances when they are providing technical or medical assistance to a patient during an emergency journey.
Motorhomes also affected
The regulations clarify what counts as parking rather than camping for motorhomes. When parked, motorhomes must rest on their tyres and cannot extend items beyond the vehicle’s perimeter or discharge fluids from the living area.
For motorhome owners and visitors travelling around Spain, the distinction is important because putting out furniture, awnings or other items beyond the vehicle can change how the activity is treated under local rules.
Changes for pedestrians and urban streets
Pedestrians gain stronger priority in some urban environments. On streets designed as a single shared platform without separate pavement and carriageway levels, pedestrians have priority.
The reform also formally recognises “safe school routes”, designed to allow children to reach educational centres on foot, by public transport or using non-motorised transport.
Most changes start now, but not all
The reform was approved through Real Decreto 518/2026 in June, but the government deliberately delayed its general implementation until 1 October. Most of the new requirements therefore apply from today.
Two important provisions have a later date: compulsory permanent daytime lighting for VMPs and the new homologated-helmet requirement take effect on 1 October 2027. Drivers and riders should therefore be careful with social-media summaries suggesting that every element of the reform became compulsory today.