Driving in Spain is an incredible experience, but staying up-to-date with the DGT (General Directorate of Traffic) regulations is essential to stay safe and avoid fines. At DrivingNow (drivingnow.es), your top-choice online driving school in English, we want to make sure you are fully prepared for the road ahead.
On October 1, 2026, a major update to the General Circulation Regulations will come into effect in Spain, focused primarily on improving the protection of vulnerable road users. Whether you are an experienced driver or currently focused on getting your license in English in Spain from anywhere, here are the most important changes you must know.
🛵 1. Motorcycles and Mopeds
Safety requirements for two-wheeled vehicles are becoming stricter:
- Mandatory Gear: Riders must wear gloves on interurban roads and closed footwear on all types of roads. Failing to comply with this will result in a serious infraction and a 200€ fine. Additionally, all helmets must be officially homologated.
- Traffic Jams: Motorcycles will be allowed to ride on the right shoulder during traffic jams at a maximum speed of 30 km/h, provided it is signposted.
- Reflective Vest: A reflective vest is now a mandatory piece of equipment to carry on the bike.
🚲 2. Cyclists
- Helmets and Overtaking: Helmets are now strictly mandatory for cyclists on interurban roads, and all previous exemptions have been removed. When a car overtakes a cyclist on an interurban road, the driver must reduce their speed by 20 km/h below the road’s limit, leave a 1.5-meter lateral gap, and change lanes completely.
- Urban Riding: In cities, cyclists must ride preferably in the center of the lane and leave a 5-meter gap with the cyclist ahead of them.
🛴 3. E-Scooters (Personal Mobility Vehicles – VMP)
If you commute using an electric scooter, pay close attention to these updates:
- Basic Rules: The minimum age to ride an e-scooter is now 15 years old, and a helmet is mandatory at all times.
- Visibility: Lights must always be turned on. At night or in low visibility conditions, riders must wear a luminous or reflective element visible from 150 meters. Riding without a helmet or reflective gear will cost you a 200€ fine.
- Signaling: It is now mandatory to always use your arm to signal any maneuvers.
Note for Professionals: Delivery riders («riders») using bikes or VMPs for work must always wear a helmet and a reflective vest, facing a 200€ fine if they do not comply.
🚗 4. General Driving Rules for Cars
- Seatbelts: Seatbelts are now mandatory for all vehicle occupants without exception. This officially removes old exemptions for taxi drivers, freight transport, and driving schools. (The only exception applies to ambulance passengers in the patient cabin during emergency services).
- Emergency Corridors: In the event of a traffic jam or retention, vehicles must move to the edges of the road to leave the center lane free for emergency vehicles.
- Snow on Highways: When it snows on motorways and highways, overtaking is strictly prohibited. The left lane must be left entirely free for emergency vehicles and snowplows.
- Pedestrian Crossings: As a general rule, a flashing yellow traffic light for vehicles will no longer coincide with a green light for pedestrians, increasing safety at crosswalks.
- Motorhomes: Motorhomes are allowed to park as long as they do not deploy any external elements beyond the vehicle’s perimeter, rest solely on their tires (no leveling wedges), and do not spill any fluids.
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