Starting October 1, 2026, Spain will implement significant modifications to its road safety regulations, impacting a wide array of road users from motorists to cyclists and electric scooter riders. The changes aim to enhance road safety and clarify interactions with vulnerable users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and moped riders.
Among the new rules, drivers overtaking vulnerable road users on roads outside built-up areas must maintain a minimum lateral distance of 1.5 meters. Additionally, on roads with multiple lanes in the same direction, drivers are required to change lanes entirely. To ensure safety, drivers must also reduce their speed by at least 20 km/h below the speed limit during these overtaking maneuvers.
In situations of traffic congestion on motorways, drivers must create clear passageways for emergency vehicles by positioning their vehicles accordingly when traffic is stationary or moving slowly and emergency signals are activated. Moreover, drivers whose vehicles break down on interurban roads are expected to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed when passing stopped vehicles.
Motorcyclists and moped riders will see stricter safety measures, including mandatory use of approved helmets, protective gloves, and closed footwear covering the entire foot when riding on roads outside built-up areas. For electric scooter users and other personal mobility vehicles, wearing approved helmets will become compulsory on all roads. Riders must also be at least 15 years old and are generally prohibited from using motorways and certain specified roads.
Cyclists will need to adhere to updated rules on lane positioning and overtaking. Helmets will be compulsory for children under 16 on all roads, and cyclists traveling at night or in poor visibility on interurban roads will need appropriate lighting and reflective gear.
Additional regulations address the use of high-visibility vests, restrictions on mobile phone use, radar-jamming equipment, and the movement of heavy vehicles. Some rules, such as those concerning daytime lighting on personal mobility vehicles, will be phased in by October 2027, with transitional arrangements applying to certain moped helmets and technical safety equipment.
These comprehensive changes are part of Spain’s ongoing efforts to improve road safety by establishing clearer guidelines for interactions between motorists and vulnerable road users.