Starting October 1, 2026, Spain will implement significant changes to its road safety and traffic regulations. These revisions aim to enhance safety for all road users, including motorists, cyclists, motorcyclists, moped users, pedestrians, and electric scooter riders.
One of the key changes requires drivers overtaking cyclists, pedestrians, mopeds, and other vulnerable road users outside built-up areas to maintain a minimum lateral distance of 1.5 meters. On multi-lane roads, drivers must change lanes entirely during overtaking. Additionally, they must reduce their speed by at least 20 km/h below the prevailing speed limit.
Traffic congestion on motorways will now necessitate the creation of clear passageways for emergency vehicles. Drivers must reposition their vehicles when traffic is either stationary or moving very slowly and emergency signals are in use.
Motorcyclists and moped riders will need to adhere to stricter safety requirements. While helmets remain mandatory, protective gloves will also become compulsory on roads outside built-up areas, along with closed footwear that covers the entire foot.
Electric scooter and other personal mobility vehicle users will face new regulations, including mandatory helmet use on all roads and a minimum age requirement of 15. These riders will generally be restricted from using motorways and other specific roads.
Cyclists will see updates to lane positioning and overtaking rules. Helmets will be mandatory for children under 16 on all roads, and cyclists traveling at night or in poor visibility conditions on interurban roads will need proper lighting and reflective gear.
For drivers experiencing vehicle breakdowns on interurban roads, additional precautions are mandated when passing stopped vehicles, such as maintaining a safe distance and reducing speed. The new rules also address high-visibility vests, mobile phone usage, radar-jamming equipment, and the movement of heavy vehicles.
Some regulations will be phased in over time; for instance, certain requirements for daytime lighting on personal mobility vehicles will not take effect until October 2027, and transitional arrangements will apply to some moped helmets and technical safety equipment. These comprehensive changes are designed to strengthen road safety and clarify interactions among various road users across Spain.