Spain’s Ministry of the Interior has announced an update to the Reglamento General de Circulación, due to take effect on October 1. The reform, led by the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), changes how urban traffic lights work at pedestrian crossings to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The most impressive change ends the simultaneous flashing amber for vehicles and green for pedestrians, a combination that has long caused confusion and accidents in Spanish cities.
Until now, many urban intersections allowed vehicles to proceed with caution when the amber light flashed, even as pedestrians had a green signal. This overlap, especially at turns or where visibility was limited, often led to misunderstandings and, in some cases, collisions or near-misses. The DGT’s new regulation aims to remove this risk by prohibiting vehicles’ flashing amber from coinciding with the pedestrian green. Instead, every amber phase for vehicles must now be preceded by a solid red, requiring a clear stop before the signal changes.
The adjustment will require technical changes to thousands of traffic lights across Spain, particularly in cities where the old system was standard. The DGT expects the measure to clarify right-of-way at crossings and reduce incidents involving vulnerable road users. The Ministry says the update forms part of a broader effort to modernize urban mobility and prioritize the safety of non-motorized transport.
The reform focuses on traffic signals, but also reflects a wider trend in Spanish policy: addressing urban safety and adapting infrastructure to changing mobility patterns. Authorities across Europe are seeking to balance vehicle flow with protection for pedestrians and cyclists. Other efforts to improve urban management and public safety include the recent initiative to relocate migrants from Ceuta’s streets, covered in coverage of emergency shelter measures in Ceuta.
For residents and drivers, the practical impact will be most visible at busy crossings and intersections. The DGT advises motorists to watch for new signal patterns and reminds pedestrians that the green light now guarantees a safer crossing. The reform is expected to reduce ambiguity and improve traffic flow, reinforcing Spain’s commitment to road safety. As cities adapt their infrastructure, the coming months will show how the changes affect daily mobility and accident rates nationwide.
Spain’s approach fits broader European efforts to protect vulnerable road users. The European Commission says harmonizing traffic signals and prioritizing pedestrian safety are basic strategies for reducing urban road fatalities. The DGT’s update could serve as a model for other countries facing similar challenges at urban crossings. Spanish cities are preparing for a transition that could reshape the daily experience of millions of residents and visitors.
