Spain mandates reflective vests and protective gear for motorcyclists from October 2026

Spain’s revised Reglamento General de Circulación, which takes effect on 1 October 2026, introduces several safety obligations for motorcyclists. Riders must carry a high‑visibility reflective vest and wear it whenever they stop on the road, such as after a breakdown. The rules also make protective gloves compulsory for both drivers and passengers, require helmets to be fully homologated, and oblige professional riders to wear a reflective vest at all times. Non‑compliance is classified as a serious offence and carries a €200 fine, with the Guardia Civil already enforcing the measures during a summer safety campaign.

In Barcelona, the city council will complement the national reforms by piloting safety‑enhancing infrastructure in 2027. Six low‑speed impact absorbers and reflective delimiters will be installed at high‑risk urban sites, such as tunnel entrances and intersections, to reduce injury severity and improve visibility for motorcyclists.