Spain will introduce sweeping changes to its traffic regulations on October 1. The new rules affect e-scooter users, cyclists, and all drivers, with stricter safety measures and updated technology requirements. Here’s what you need to know.
From October 1, Spain’s roads will operate under a new set of traffic regulations, marking the most significant overhaul in recent years. The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) is introducing these changes to address the rapid evolution of urban mobility, the rise of personal mobility vehicles, and the growing presence of cyclists in cities and on interurban roads.
One of the most visible shifts concerns electric scooters and other personal mobility vehicles. Every e-scooter must now carry an official circulation certificate approved by the DGT. Riders, regardless of age or location, are required to wear a helmet at all times. The new rules strictly ban scooters from sidewalks, pedestrian zones, crossings, and interurban roads, limiting their use to vehicle lanes with a maximum speed of 25 km/h. For minors, a zero-tolerance alcohol policy applies.
Protecting vulnerable road users is another core focus. When overtaking cyclists or groups of cyclists outside urban areas, drivers must not only maintain the minimum 1.5-meter lateral distance but also fully occupy the adjacent lane to ensure a genuine safety buffer. In single-lane urban streets, bicycles now have priority, obliging motorists to adjust their speed and keep a safe following distance.
Emergency situations on highways and expressways will also be handled differently. Inspired by European best practices, the new regulations require drivers to create an emergency corridor as soon as traffic congestion begins. On two-lane roads, vehicles on the left move left, those on the right move right, leaving a clear central path for emergency services. On roads with three or more lanes, the middle space must remain open for ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles, aiming to cut response times.
Technological updates are also part of the reform. The DGT is phasing in the connected V-16 warning beacon, which will gradually replace traditional warning triangles. These beacons, equipped with geolocation, can be placed on the vehicle roof without exiting the car, instantly transmitting the vehicle’s location to the DGT’s digital platform. This real-time alert system will notify other drivers via variable message panels and navigation apps, reducing the risk of roadside accidents.
Penalties for using a mobile phone while driving are set to become even tougher, reflecting the ongoing problem of distraction-related accidents. The DGT is also updating the medical and psychophysical assessment criteria for older drivers, moving toward a more individualized approach for license renewals.
These changes are part of a broader strategy to reduce road fatalities and adapt to new mobility realities. As noted in a recent analysis of Spain’s evolving vehicle standards, such as the latest updates to hybrid vehicle regulations, the country is steadily aligning its transport policies with European safety and environmental benchmarks.
For context, Spain’s push for safer roads comes as urban cycling continues to grow and e-scooters become a common sight in city centers. The DGT’s reforms reflect both the challenges and opportunities of this new mobility landscape, aiming to balance innovation with public safety. The coming months will test how quickly drivers and riders adapt to these new expectations—and whether the reforms deliver on their promise of safer, more orderly streets.
