Changes to the General Traffic Regulations approved under Royal Decree 518/2026 of 24 June have been in force since 1 October, introducing new measures aimed at increasing the safety of vulnerable road users and adapting the rules to the changes in mobility over the past twenty years.
For the first time, the regulations formally define a vulnerable road user. The category covers pedestrians, with particular attention to children, older people and people with disabilities, as well as cyclists, users of personal mobility vehicles (VMP), and motorcycle and moped riders and passengers.
The reform also introduces Title VI, which sets out specific traffic rules for urban areas. The changes are intended to facilitate coexistence between different forms of mobility while taking into account both the means of transport used and physical or age-related circumstances that may increase the risk or severity of injuries in a road accident.
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Traffic regulation reform takes effect with new rules for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and personal mobility vehicles. New requirements for personal mobility vehicles
The minimum age for using a personal mobility vehicle is now 15, while a protective helmet is compulsory.
A reflective vest must also be worn at night or in conditions of poor visibility.
From 1 October 2027, VMP users will be required to keep their lights switched on permanently, including during daylight hours.
Outside urban areas, they will be allowed to travel on routes segregated from motor traffic, such as cycle paths and cycle lanes, unless signs specifically prohibit it.
New rules for cyclists
On interurban roads, helmets are compulsory for all cyclists, with the previous exemptions removed.
Drivers overtaking cyclists must reduce their speed by at least 20 km/h below the road’s speed limit, maintain a minimum lateral distance of 1.5 metres and move completely into another lane when the road has more than one lane in each direction.
In urban areas, cyclists should preferably travel in the centre of the lane. Motor vehicles following a cyclist in the same lane must keep a minimum distance of 5 metres.
Cyclists may also travel in both directions on single-lane streets with a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h.
Gloves and closed footwear for motorcycles and mopeds
Motorcycle and moped users must wear protective gloves on interurban roads and closed footwear on all types of roads.
From 1 October 2027, moped users will have to wear an approved helmet rather than one that is merely certified.
Motorcyclists will also be allowed to use the right-hand shoulder during congestion, provided they do not exceed 30 km/h and the section has been specifically signposted.
Anyone using a bicycle, VMP, moped or motorcycle for professional activities will be required to wear a helmet and reflective vest at all times.
Pedestrians and safe school routes
As a general rule, at traffic-light-controlled pedestrian crossings, a flashing amber light for vehicles may not coincide with a steady green light for pedestrians.
Pedestrians will have priority on single-level streets.
The reform also gives legal status to safe school routes, defined as roads adapted to provide access for children to educational centres on foot, by public transport or by non-motorised means of travel.
Snow conditions and emergency corridors
Overtaking on motorways and dual carriageways will be prohibited when traffic is affected by snow. The left-hand lane must remain clear for emergency vehicles and snowploughs.
During traffic congestion, when vehicles are moving at walking pace or are stationary, drivers must move aside to create an emergency corridor for priority services.
On two-lane roads, vehicles move towards both sides, leaving a clear space in the centre. On three-lane roads, vehicles in the left lane move to the left while those in the centre and right lanes move to the right, creating the emergency corridor between the left and centre lanes.
Vehicles passing others that are stationary because of an accident, breakdown, assistance work, maintenance or traffic control must leave a lateral gap of 1.5 metres and reduce their speed by at least 20 km/h below the road’s speed limit.
Seat belts and motorhomes
Existing exemptions from seat-belt requirements have been removed. Seat belts will be compulsory at all times for drivers of taxis, goods vehicles and driver-training vehicles.
An exception applies to passengers in assisted ambulances equipped to allow technical and medical care while travelling when, during an emergency service, they are inside the patient compartment.
Motorhomes may not extend items beyond the perimeter of the vehicle, must remain supported on their tyres and may not discharge fluids from the living area.
Since the Royal Decree was approved, the DGT has been broadcasting radio messages and publishing social media content explaining the main changes. These messages will be increased on radio and social networks over the coming weeks, and a dedicated section covering the changes has also been created on the DGT website.