Spain mandates emergency lanes in traffic jams from October 1

Starting October 1, 2026, new traffic regulations in Spain will mandate the creation of an emergency lane on highways and motorways during traffic congestion. Under Royal Decree 518/2026, which modifies the General Traffic Regulations, drivers must create a clear passage for priority vehicles, such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police, whenever traffic slows to a walking pace or comes to a complete standstill.

The method for forming the lane depends on the number of lanes available. On roads with two lanes per direction, vehicles must move to create a space in the center. On roads with three or more lanes, the emergency corridor must be formed between the leftmost lane and the lane immediately to its right. These measures aim to provide emergency services with a continuous route through heavy traffic, potentially saving critical time during emergencies.