Overview
- The national regulation Real Decreto 518/2026 comes into force on 1 October and reorients the Reglamento General de Circulación to centre protections on pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and VMP (e‑scooter) users.
- From that date e‑scooters face a 15‑year minimum age, mandatory helmets and required lights with reflective vests at night, and violations are classed as a serious offence carrying a €200 fine with parents liable for minors.
- Cyclists in urban roads must ride preferably in the centre of the lane, drivers must leave larger separations — five metres when following in the same lane and 1.5 metres laterally where applicable — and overtaking rules on interurban roads force speed reductions or full lane changes.
- Motorcycle rules tighten protective equipment—gloves on interurban roads, closed footwear on all roads and homologated helmets for mopeds—with some technical equipment requirements phased in to October 2027, and the national text permits signed sections of the right shoulder (arcén) to be used by motorcycles at up to 30 km/h in congestion.
- Implementation will vary locally because regional and municipal authorities must signpost, enforce and in some cases refuse measures; Catalonia has already said it will not allow arcén use citing safety concerns, which could create divergent practice across Spain.