Overview
- The cabinet approved the Real Decreto that changes the Reglamento General de Circulación on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, creating a new legal category of “vulnerable road user” and a dedicated title for urban circulation.
- Personal mobility vehicles (VMPs) will have a minimum age of 15, must use helmets and keep lights on, and professional riders must wear reflective vests; outside towns VMPs may only use segregated routes and many violations carry a €200 fine.
- Cyclist rules tighten: helmets become mandatory on interurban roads, drivers overtaking must slow by at least 20 km/h and fully change lane on multi‑lane roads, cyclists may ride centrally in urban lanes, and motor vehicles must leave at least five metres when following a bicycle.
- Motorcycle changes include mandatory protective gloves on interurban roads, closed footwear on all routes, a move to homologated (not just certified) helmets and conditional use of the right hard shoulder in traffic jams under 30 km/h and with signage.
- Most measures take effect on 1 October 2026, with VMP lighting and mandatory homologated motorcycle helmets phased to 1 October 2027 and glove standards awaiting a ministerial order; municipalities are already updating local rules and schools and delivery firms will face immediate compliance and enforcement pressures.