[REVISION HISTORY]

Spain traffic regulation and safety reforms

11 recorded revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-17 07:55 UTC → 2026-10-18 20:13 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The reforms under Royal Decree 518/2026 officially entered into force on October 1, 2026, focusing on the protection of vulnerable road users. New mandates for Personal Mobility Vehicles (VMP) include a minimum age of 15, mandatory certified helmets, and the use of reflective gear during nighttime or low-visibility conditions. While VMPs must be equipped with lights, the requirement to keep them active during daylight hours will not be enforced until October 1, 2027. For cyclists, motorists are now required to reduce their speed by at least 20 km/h and maintain a minimum lateral distance of 1.5 meters when overtaking. Motorcyclist safety requirements include mandatory closed footwear and protective gloves on extra-urban roads, as well as carrying a reflective vest when leaving a vehicle on interurban roads. Additionally, the reform abolishes previous seatbelt exemptions for drivers of taxis, transport vehicles, and driving schools. In alignment with EU directives, drivers with automatic-only licenses (code 78) may transition to manual vehicles by completing a seven-hour practical course rather than a full exam, with member states having until the end of 2028 to adapt. Urban signaling changes prohibit the simultaneous use of flashing amber vehicle lights and green pedestrian lights. To implement this, amber lights must now be preceded by a solid red phase. While this is the general standard, the DGT issued Instruction MOV 2026/28 allowing exceptions if a municipality provides a technical report proving the change would “cause more harm than benefit.” ~~Regarding breakdowns,~~ Implementation of these signaling changes has met resistance from local authorities. Barcelona City Council has warned that the ~~V16 beacon is now~~ new rules could increase traffic congestion and reduce road capacity, particularly in the ~~sole approved device for interurban roads, replacing traditional triangles; failure to use it can~~ Eixample district, noting that longer light cycles might result in ~~fines of up to 200 euros. The DGT is also developing the V27 digital signal~~ shorter crossing times for ~~connected vehicles. Meanwhile, concerns persist regarding “phantom signs”—non-standard municipal signs that create legal uncertainty and potential fines.~~ pedestrians.

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