Drivers in Spain will soon have to adjust to a new set of road rules. The government’s overhaul of the Reglamento General de Circulación, which comes into force on October 1, 2026, aims to address growing risks for pedestrians and people cycling, as well as motorcyclists. One of the most noticeable changes is the end of the flashing amber light at pedestrian crossings, intended to clear up a long-standing source of confusion and near-misses.
Until now, drivers could legally see a flashing amber light while pedestrians still had a green light, leading to uncertainty and close calls at intersections. Under the new rules, that overlap will end. Vehicles will face a fixed red before any amber appears, so when pedestrians have a green light, no car can legally move. The Ministry of the Interior describes this as a major shift in road safety, with the new rules putting those most at risk first.
Local authorities and traffic light operators across Spain will need to reprogram many intersections to comply with the new sequencing rules by October 2026.
The changes go beyond traffic lights. For the first time, Spanish law defines who counts as a "vulnerable road user": pedestrians and cyclists, along with users of personal mobility vehicles (VMPs) and all motorcyclists. This goes beyond a wording change. Police and road authorities now have to account for these groups in road design and signage, as well as in enforcement. The law no longer treats all road users the same; it requires extra attention for those most exposed to harm.
One of the most debated updates allows motorcycles to use the right-hand shoulder (arcén) during heavy traffic. The permission is limited. Motorbikes can use the arcén only when congestion is severe, and they must travel no faster than 30 km/h and ride single file. Bicycles and vehicles stopped for emergencies have priority. Some regions, including Catalonia, have already said they will not apply the rule, reflecting ongoing tensions between national and regional policies.
The reform addresses a long-standing issue in Spanish traffic management: flashing amber for vehicles alongside a green light for pedestrians at crossings led to confusion and increased accident risk. Information from Diario Democrata, the new rules are part of a broader effort to give priority to vulnerable road users, including cyclists and users of personal mobility devices.
Other safety measures will also affect daily driving. When passing a stopped vehicle in certain situations, drivers must leave at least 1.5 meters of space and slow to at least 20 km/h below the posted limit. These rules are intended to protect people dealing with breakdowns or working on the roadside, but they will also slow traffic and demand closer attention from drivers.
Not all changes take effect right away. New lighting requirements for VMPs and a requirement for motorcyclists to wear certified protective gear, including helmets and gloves, are delayed until October 1, 2027, giving manufacturers and users time to adapt. Meanwhile, the DGT has denied rumors about a tougher driving test: the exams remain the same for now, though risk perception videos may be added in the future.
These reforms come as Spain continues to rethink its approach to mobility and safety. The government recently doubled diesel subsidies in response to rising fuel prices, as reported earlier. The new traffic rules reflect a willingness to step in when public safety is at stake.
Spain’s government is moving away from a car-first road policy. Its decision to rewrite long-standing rules puts vulnerable road users at the center of the approach to street safety. The reforms change both the rules and the priorities on Spanish streets.
