Spain to Impose 200‑Euro Fines on Motorcyclists Over New Safety Gear Rules

Spain’s government approved a reform to the General Traffic Regulations that takes effect on 1 October 2026. The changes apply to motorcycles, mopeds and motor‑scooters and introduce several mandatory safety items. Riders and passengers must wear closed‑toe footwear; sand‑sandals, flip‑flops and similar shoes will attract a €200 fine, reducible by half if paid within 20 days. On inter‑urban roads, certified protective gloves become compulsory, with the same penalty for non‑compliance. Helmet standards are tightened – only helmets homologated to the UNECE R22 standard will be legal from 1 October 2027, after a one‑year transition period.

The decree also targets professional users, requiring high‑visibility safety vests, and allows motorcyclists to use the right‑hand side‑lane in traffic jams when the lane is properly signposted and speeds do not exceed 30 km/h. The measures aim to improve rider safety and eliminate low‑quality helmets, and they apply to all riders in Spain, including tourists from other countries.