Spain’s traffic-rule changes took effect on October 1, 2026, under Royal Decree 518/2026 of June 24, which amends the General Traffic Regulations. The package covers VMPs and other road users, setting rules for professional delivery and for overtaking and driving in snow. It formally recognizes vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, as well as VMP users and people riding or travelling as passengers on motorcycles and mopeds. The changes aim to adapt the rules to changing mobility and strengthen protection for people with less physical protection than car occupants. El Español Motor reported on the reform.
The most visible changes concern VMPs, including electric scooters. Riders must be at least 15 and wear a helmet. Outside urban areas, VMPs may travel only on segregated infrastructure such as cycle tracks or bike lanes, not ordinary basic roads. The amended rules also provide for permanent lighting, but that requirement is scheduled to become enforceable on October 1, 2027, not alongside the basic October 2026 measures. La Nueva España reported the delayed start date.
Motorcyclists and moped riders must wear protective gloves on interurban roads and closed footwear on all roads. The requirement for moped riders to use a homologated helmet, rather than a merely certified one, is also deferred until October 1, 2027. Motorcycles may use the hard shoulder at up to 30 km/h only where the manoeuvre is permitted and signposted. Professional delivery riders using motorcycles, mopeds or bicycles face additional requirements, including wearing a helmet and reflective vest at all times.
The cyclist rules distinguish between interurban and urban roads. When overtaking a cyclist on an interurban road, drivers must leave at least 1.5 metres of lateral clearance and travel at least 20 km/h below the applicable speed limit. Where there is more than one lane in the driver’s direction, they must change lanes completely. In urban areas, vehicles following a bicycle in the same lane must leave at least five metres; cyclists are expected to ride preferably in the centre of the lane. The reform also permits two-way bicycle travel on certain one-way streets with a maximum speed of 30 km/h. The DGT’s guidance and reporting by The Local describe these requirements.
Snow-related provisions address traffic flow and emergency access. When snow makes traffic difficult on motorways and dual carriageways, overtaking is prohibited and vehicles must remain in the right lane, leaving the left lane available for emergency vehicles and snowploughs. Drivers must move aside to help emergency access and take precautions when passing immobilised vehicles. The rules also clarify caravan-parking requirements. Separately, failure to maintain the prescribed 1.5-metre clearance when overtaking cyclists or pedestrians can carry a €200 fine and six licence points, information from La Nueva España.
Driving instructor Carlos Almagro described the changes as the most impressive he had seen in 20 years, urging experienced drivers and new road users to learn the revised rules. “You have to make an effort and get up to date with this new regulation,” he said, warning that ignorance would not be accepted as an excuse.
The reforms coincide with the 20th anniversary of Spain’s points-based driving-licence system, introduced in 2006. Official figures cited in coverage of the system show that traffic deaths have fallen by more than half since its introduction. The new package extends the focus on road safety to cyclists and pedestrians, as well as other vulnerable road users, alongside rules for motorised mobility.
Most provisions have applied since October 1, 2026, while the delayed VMP-lighting and moped-helmet requirements are due to take effect on October 1, 2027. The staged timetable clarifies which equipment rules apply now and which begin a year later.
