Spain rolls out extensive traffic rule overhaul effective October 1, 2026
From October 1, 2026 Spain will enforce a comprehensive set of new traffic regulations covering drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, mopeds, pedestrians and electric scooters.
Spain’s traffic code will be updated on October 1, 2026 under Real Decreto 518/2026, affecting all road users from motorists to pedestrians. Drivers must keep a 1.5-metre gap and lower their speed by at least 20 km/h when overtaking cyclists, pedestrians, mopeds or vulnerable users outside towns, and must change lanes fully on multi-lane roads. Motorways will feature designated emergency lanes that must be cleared for rescue vehicles, and overtaking will be banned during snow-affected conditions.
Protective gear becomes compulsory: certified helmets for mopeds, gloves and closed footwear for motorcyclists, and helmets for electric-scooter riders, with a one-year transition for existing moped helmets. High-visibility vests are required for certain vehicle occupants, and mobile-phone use while driving is banned. Additional measures address motorhome parking, reduced speed limits for school buses and dangerous-goods vehicles, and new signage for electric-scooter access.
