Spain tightens motorcycle rules: closed shoes, gloves and side‑lane use from Oct 2026

From 1 October 2026 Spain will require motorcycle and moped riders to wear closed‑toe footwear and certified protective gloves. Violations will carry a €200 fine. The measure, announced by the ADAC and the Spanish traffic authority DGT, aims to improve safety for tourists and locals on the mainland, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.

In the same reform, the DGT will allow motorcycles to use the right‑hand emergency lane on motorways during severe congestion, but only on sections that have been expressly designated and sign‑posted. Riders must keep their speed to 30 km/h or less and the rule does not replace the existing rescue‑lane requirements. The exact signage is still being defined.