New road rules in Spain 2026: New driving law changes every driver needs to know from October 1

Spain implements comprehensive traffic rule changes on October 1, 2026, impacting drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, moped riders, pedestrians, and electric scooter users. These new regulations, outlined in Real Decreto 518/2026, modify Spain's Reglamento General de Circulacion and affect various aspects of road use. Here's a breakdown of the key changes.

New rules impact cyclists and the interactions drivers must have with them. Bicycles are now allowed to carry certain passengers and loads, including toddlers' seats, as long as they meet technical requirements. Drivers on Spanish motorways and major roads must follow specific instructions during traffic queues and bad weather. Parking motorhomes and other accommodation vehicles requires they have no equipment extending beyond the vehicle's footprint, rest only on their tyres with safety chocks or wedges, and must not discharge fluids from the living area. Violations could be checked by police.

Moped riders and passengers face new safety requirements, including a one-year transitional period for moped helmets. Existing certified helmets can be used until the transitional period ends. Several everyday driving changes include requirements for protective equipment for motorcycles, mopeds, three-wheelers, quadricycles, and certain quads.

Car, motorcycle, bus, and other vehicle drivers must use high-visibility vests when occupying the carriageway or hard shoulder on interurban roads. Motorcyclists can now tow trailers or semi-trailers under specific conditions, such as daytime travel, good visibility, and a 10% speed reduction. Pedestrians now have priority in several situations, including at night or in poor visibility on out-of-town roads or hard shoulders.

Drivers must take extra care to avoid putting pedestrians at risk. Emergency vehicles with special lights or signals must be given a clear route, with drivers moving to the right or stopping if necessary.

Changes specifically for cars and other motor vehicles include using the right-hand lane outside built-up areas for vehicles over 3,500 kg when there are multiple lanes in the same direction. Vehicles carrying schoolchildren or dangerous goods will have reduced maximum speeds. Buses carrying standing passengers or without seat belts have a maximum speed of 80 km/h on roads outside built-up areas.

Taxi passengers in urban traffic can include children under 135cm in the rear seat without an approved child restraint, but they must wear seatbelts. Electric scooters and other personal mobility vehicles (VMPs) face several new requirements, including local council rules determining their permitted use. The regulation provides a temporary arrangement for existing certified moped helmets until a future Interior Ministry order sets technical specifications.