From 1 October 2026, Spanish traffic lights at pedestrian crossings will no longer show flashing amber for vehicles while pedestrians have a steady green. Set out in Real Decreto 518/2026, the change aims to end a confusing overlap that has led to close calls, especially when cars turn across crosswalks.
The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has updated the Reglamento General de Circulación to address the overlap between flashing amber for vehicles and steady green for pedestrians. Real Decreto 518/2026, published in the Boletín Oficial del Estado, sets the start date. The government’s official press release says the goal is to prevent cars from seeing flashing amber while pedestrians have a green signal at crossings with their own lights.
The rules prohibit traffic lights at pedestrian crossings from showing flashing amber for vehicles while pedestrians have a steady green. Any amber phase for cars must come after a solid red. When pedestrians get the green, drivers will see a clear stop or a different signal. The DGT says the change is intended to protect vulnerable road users. Moncloa says the reform aims to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. It also covers users of personal mobility vehicles and addresses confusion linked to accidents and misunderstandings.
El Periódico reported that local authorities across Spain will have to adapt their traffic light systems to comply with the regulation once it takes effect. La Vanguardia reported that implementation will be gradual, as local authorities reprogram individual traffic lights over time. Some major cities, including Barcelona, have already requested a delay in applying the changes at certain intersections.
The amber light itself is not going away; it will remain in use in other situations. The change ends the overlap that allowed cars to proceed with caution while pedestrians crossed on green. Drivers are currently expected to take extra care and yield to pedestrians during flashing amber, but the double signal can be easy to misread, especially in busy cities. Spanish media have stressed that the reform leaves amber lights in place for other situations and ends their overlap with pedestrian green at crossings.
The traffic light rule is part of a wider overhaul of Spain’s road laws under Real Decreto 518/2026. The changes ban children under 15 from riding electric scooters and require helmets for all scooter users. They also end seatbelt exemptions for taxi drivers and driving instructors. Motorcyclists must wear gloves and closed shoes, while rules for overtaking cyclists are also getting stricter. Several independent outlets have reported that the measures reflect a broader shift in Spain’s road safety strategy, focused on protecting those most at risk.
