Overview
- The package in Real Decreto 518/2026 took effect on Thursday, 1 October 2026 and changes the Reglamento General de Circulación to prioritise pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and other vulnerable users.
- Motorcyclists and passengers must wear closed footwear on all roads, must carry a reflective vest and must use homologated gloves on interurban roads, with breaches classed as a grave offence carrying a €200 fine.
- In urban streets cyclists should ride preferentially in the centre of the lane, drivers must leave at least five metres when following a cyclist in the same lane, and overtaking requires a 1.5‑metre lateral clearance or a full lane change plus a speed reduction when specified.
- Mopeds and motorcycles may use signposted hard‑shoulder sections during genuine traffic stoppages only, must travel single file at no more than 30 km/h and meet strict pre‑authorised conditions before using the arcén.
- The DGT plans a follow‑up rule in 2027 to require helmets homologated by the DGT with a proposed penalty of four licence points and a €200 fine, and cycling groups have welcomed the protections while urging more measures for roundabouts and other gaps.