From October 2026, anyone working on a bike, e-scooter, moped or motorcycle in Spain must wear a high visibility vest or risk a 200 euro fine. The new law also tightens helmet and glove requirements for all professional riders.
From 1 October 2026, anyone working as a professional rider in Spain—whether on a bicycle, electric scooter, moped, or motorcycle—must wear a high visibility vest on public roads. Skipping the vest will mean a 200 euro fine. This rule is part of a new traffic law (Real Decreto 518/2026), approved on 24 June 2026, and applies to all paid riders, not just those delivering food or parcels.
The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has classified not wearing a vest, helmet, gloves, or closed shoes as a serious offense. The 200 euro fine is immediate and matches other major traffic penalties. DGT officials say these measures are meant to improve safety for people who work on the road.
For moped and motorcycle riders, protective gloves are now mandatory on interurban roads, and closed footwear is required on all routes, not just for professionals but for all users.
The law covers anyone whose job involves riding these vehicles, not just delivery workers. Couriers, maintenance staff, and others using bikes or scooters for work must follow the new rules. The reform aims to close gaps that previously let some professional riders skip safety gear.
What changes for each vehicle? Cyclists working in cities or at crossings must now wear a helmet at all times. On open roads, helmets are required for all cyclists, ending earlier exceptions. For electric scooters and other personal mobility vehicles (VMP), helmets are now compulsory for everyone, and professionals must also wear a reflective vest. At night or in poor visibility, any VMP user must have a light or reflective item visible from 150 meters. These details are confirmed by several independent reports on the new DGT rules.
Motorcyclists and moped riders face stricter requirements: helmets are mandatory everywhere, and professionals must wear a high visibility vest. Both drivers and passengers must use protective gloves on interurban roads and closed shoes on all routes. The glove rule applies from day one, even as the Ministry of the Interior finalizes technical standards for protective gear.
The new regulations clarify that private motorcyclists are not required to wear a high visibility vest at all times, but must carry one with them. Only professional riders are obligated to wear the vest while working.
The reform also brings new rules for overtaking and road use. The minimum age for VMP drivers is now 15. Outside cities, overtaking a cyclist or vulnerable user means slowing down by at least 20 km/h below the speed limit, keeping a 1.5-meter gap, and fully changing lanes if possible. In cities, motor vehicles must stay five meters behind any bicycle in the same lane. Motorcycles can use the shoulder only in marked stretches during traffic jams, and never above 30 km/h.
Some changes will be phased in. The helmet and vest rules for professionals, and new gear for motorcyclists, start in October 2026. The requirement for VMPs to use daytime running lights and the end of the grace period for older moped helmets are delayed until October 2027. For working riders, there is no extension: the vest and helmet rules apply from day one. DGT has said these deadlines are final and will be strictly enforced.
These changes come as Spain increases oversight of self-employed and gig economy workers. The new traffic rules echo recent support measures for businesses and freelancers in places like Ceuta, but here the focus is on safety and compliance, not financial aid.
By making high visibility vests and protective gear mandatory for all professional riders, Spanish authorities are making road safety a requirement. The 200 euro fine is meant to enforce this standard. For riders and their employers, following the new rules will be compulsory.
