Spain's New Driving Rules Start This Week: What British Drivers in Benidorm Need to Know
Major changes to Spain's traffic regulations come into force on Thursday, 1 October, affecting motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists and electric scooter users across the country.
British drivers living in or visiting Benidorm are being urged to familiarise themselves with Spain's updated road rules, as a major traffic regulation reform takes effect later this week.
The changes form part of Royal Decree 518/2026, published in Spain's Official State Gazette in June. The reform introduces new measures intended to improve road safety, particularly for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users.
The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) confirmed on 24 September that most of the changes will apply from 1 October, although some requirements have delayed implementation dates.
Here are the main changes motorists and visitors should know about.
New rules for motorcyclists
Motorcyclists will face updated requirements concerning protective equipment.
Riders will be required to wear closed footwear on all roads, while protective gloves will be required on interurban roads, subject to the relevant technical regulations.
Motorcycle riders will also need to carry a high-visibility reflective vest.
The requirement for approved motorcycle helmets, replacing the previous certification provisions, has a transitional period and will not take effect until October 2027.
Electric scooters face tougher requirements
Electric scooter users, known in Spain as VMP users, will face a minimum age requirement of 15 years.
The new rules also introduce requirements for protective helmets and reflective clothing at night or in poor visibility. Professional riders using these vehicles must wear the required protection at all times.
The DGT says the rules are intended to improve safety for scooter users and other people sharing urban roads.
Some lighting requirements for personal mobility vehicles have been postponed until October 2027.
Greater protection for cyclists
The updated regulations introduce additional protections for cyclists, particularly when vehicles overtake them.
Drivers should take particular care when passing cyclists, allowing sufficient lateral clearance and adjusting their speed to the conditions.
The reform also introduces further provisions covering the movement of bicycles and other cycles, including equipment and the use of trailers.
Motorists travelling around Benidorm and the surrounding Marina Baixa should remain especially alert on roads shared with cyclists.
New procedures during traffic jams and heavy snow
The new regulations also introduce measures to help emergency vehicles move through congested traffic.
When traffic is held up and vehicles are moving slowly or have stopped, drivers must position themselves to leave a central corridor for emergency services.
On motorways and dual carriageways affected by snow, the regulations introduce restrictions on overtaking and require traffic to use the right-hand lane in the circumstances specified by the rules.
The measures are intended to help emergency and maintenance vehicles reach incidents more safely.
Changes to pedestrian crossings
One of the changes affecting everyday driving concerns traffic lights at pedestrian crossings.
As a general rule, the new regulations remove the situation in which vehicles have a flashing amber signal while pedestrians have a steady green signal to cross.
The change is designed to reduce confusion over priority at crossings and improve pedestrian safety.
Drivers should follow the signals displayed at each crossing and give way to pedestrians as required.
What about British tourists and expats?
The revised regulations apply to road users in Spain, not just Spanish nationals.
British visitors driving hire cars and residents using their own vehicles should therefore familiarise themselves with the requirements relevant to their mode of transport.
The DGT has confirmed that the reform is intended to create a more consistent framework for road safety, particularly in urban areas where cars, scooters, bicycles and pedestrians share the same space.
Not every measure begins on 1 October, so drivers should check the specific implementation dates before assuming that every new equipment requirement is already enforceable.
The full legislation is available through Spain's Official State Gazette, while the DGT has published an overview of the changes.
With the new rules due to take effect on Thursday, motorists are being encouraged to check their equipment and driving practices before setting off.
