New traffic rules to protect cyclists have been in force in Spain since October 1, 2026. Important are the distance when following in city traffic, slower overtaking in out-of-town areas and changed helmet and visibility rules. Here you can find out which regulations apply where.
What is new – and what remains important?
The basis is the Real Decreto 518/2026 of June 24, 2026, published on June 26. The cycling rules have been in effect since October 1st. They affect residents and holidaymakers as well as drivers who overtake bicycles. Official legal text in the BOE.
| Topic | Rule since October 2026 | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Following a cyclist | At least 5 m between the motor vehicle and the cyclist in front in the same lane. | Urban traffic, Art. 153.4 |
| Overtaking speed | At least 20 km/h below the applicable speed limit, before the start and throughout the overtaking. | Out of town, Art. 85.4 |
| Lateral distance | At least 1.5m; If there are several lanes in each direction, change lanes completely. | Overtaking, Art. 85.4 |
| Bicycle helmet | Required outside built-up areas, and on all roads for under-16s; cyclists working professionally must also wear one on urban roads and through-roads. | Article 118.2 |
| Professional cycling | High-visibility vest required on all roads. | Article 118.4 |
The 1.5 meter side distance is not a completely new idea. What is particularly new is the additional reduction in overtaking speed outside of town. The basic requirement to wear a helmet outside of town already existed; their previous exceptions will be deleted.
Five metres distance: Understand the city rule correctly
In urban traffic, a motor vehicle must remain at least five metres behind a bicycle when both use the same lane. This rule is set out in Article 153.4 under the new Title VI on urban traffic.
This is not a lateral overtaking distance and is not permission to close up to five metres at higher speeds. The general requirements for a safe distance remain important. For a country road, you should not use the city rule as a general minimum distance.
Overtaking outside of town: slow down and leave space
When overtaking a bicycle outside built-up areas, drivers must travel at least 20 km/h below the applicable speed limit before starting and throughout the overtaking manoeuvre (Art. 85.4).
With a limit of 70 km/h it is a maximum of 50 km/h. This means 20 km/h below the speed limit, not 20 km/h less than your previous speed.
Drivers must also leave at least 1.5 metres of side clearance. Where there is more than one lane in each direction, they must change lanes completely. They must not endanger or obstruct oncoming traffic. If visibility or space is insufficient, they must wait before overtaking.
Helmet requirement: what changes for cyclists
- Outside built-up areas: Riders and any passengers must wear an approved or certified helmet, correctly fastened.
- Under 16 years: Helmets are required on all roads.
- Professional cycling: A helmet is also required on urban roads and through-roads, for example during deliveries.
The previous exceptions, such as long climbs or extreme heat, are no longer found in the new version. Adults can no longer rely on this since October 1st. This regulation does not introduce a general requirement to wear helmets on all city streets for private trips by adults. A helmet still makes sense there too.
Visibility at night and when cycling professionally
Outside of town, you need at least one luminous or reflective element that is visible from 150 metres between sunset and sunrise and when visibility is significantly reduced (Art. 118.2). This does not replace the necessary bicycle lighting.
Anyone using a bicycle in the course of their work must wear a high-visibility vest on all roads, in accordance with personal protective equipment rules (Art. 118.4). This concerns professional use of the bicycle, rather than an ordinary commute.
Cycle paths, lanes and sidewalks: what applies in urban areas?
Road and cycle path
Without a special cycle path, bicycles ride on the road. An existing cycle path should be used preferentially; the authority can make it mandatory using the symbol R-407a. In city traffic, cyclists should prefer to ride in the middle of the lane, as long as everyone's safety allows this. If there are several lanes in each direction, always stay to the right; Turning and safety reasons may justify a different lane (Articles 153.1 and 153.3).
Sidewalks are reserved for pedestrians
Cycling on the sidewalk is generally prohibited. There is a narrow local authority exemption for children accompanied by an adult on foot. Other pedestrian areas and sidewalk areas marked as cycle paths have their own rules: observe local signs and municipal regulations, do not endanger pedestrians (Articles 152 and 153).
Passing waiting cars
In city traffic, cyclists are allowed to overtake on the right or left depending on the safe situation. At traffic lights and in traffic jams, you are allowed to drive past stationary or frequently stopping vehicles to the designated advanced waiting area. This does not allow ignoring red lights or endangering pedestrians (Article 153.5).
Against the one-way direction?
On city streets with only one lane and a maximum speed limit of 30, the municipality can allow bicycle traffic in both directions - only with appropriate approval and signage. Without this clearance, no general exception applies (Article 153.6).
Road bike groups: When to ride one behind the other?
Article 36 permits cyclists to ride two abreast on a sufficiently wide, usable hard shoulder. Where there is no suitable shoulder, they may use the necessary part of the carriageway. On the carriageway, they must ride in single file where visibility is poor, where they impede traffic, at night or in significantly reduced visibility. The preference for riding in the centre of the lane in urban traffic does not replace these rules outside built-up areas.
New traffic rules are not a blanket insurance requirement
The Real Decreto 518/2026 regulates behavior in traffic. It does not introduce general compulsory insurance for every bicycle. Pedelecs that comply with the rules and have a maximum rated continuous power of 250 W and stop pedal assistance before 25 km/h or when pedalling stops are expressly excluded from the VPL definition in Ley 5/2025.
Different requirements apply to S-Pedelecs and e-scooters. Regardless of a legal obligation, it is worth asking: Who pays if you injure someone or your bike is stolen?
Bicycle and e-bike insurance explained →Before the next tour in Spain
- Check helmet, brakes, tires, lights and reflective equipment.
- When riding in a group, follow the rules on hard shoulders and riding in single file.
- Check local cycle path and one-way regulations based on the signs.
- Compare liability, theft protection and assistance after a breakdown with your policy.
This also applies to tours around Jávea, Dénia and the Costa Blanca. If you have technical questions, a bicycle repair shop can check the roadworthiness of your bike.
Insure your bike in Spain
Tell us bike type, value and usage. The agency checks what protection can be offered.
Frequently asked questions
When did the new cycling rules take effect in Spain?
The bicycle rules of Real Decreto 518/2026 explained here have been in effect since October 1, 2026. The transition period for the VMP daytime running lights until October 2027 affects e-scooters and should not be understood as a postponement of the bicycle rules.
Does the five meter distance also apply on every country road?
The expressly quantified five-meter rule can be found in Article 153 in the title on urban traffic. It affects motor vehicles behind cyclists in the same lane. The general safety distances and special overtaking rules apply outside of town.
How fast can a car overtake a bicycle outside of town?
Before starting and throughout overtaking, the speed must be at least 20 km/h below the applicable speed limit. At a permitted speed of 90 km/h, this is a maximum of 70 km/h; If there is danger or there is insufficient distance, the driver must slow down further or wait.
Do adults now always have to wear a bicycle helmet even in urban areas?
This does not result in a general nationwide requirement to wear helmets on all city streets for private trips by adults. Helmets are required outside of town; under 16 years of age it applies on all roads. Anyone who rides a bicycle for work must also wear a helmet in town and when driving through town.
Do I need bike insurance because of the new rules?
The transport reform does not introduce a blanket insurance requirement for normal bicycles. Pedelecs that comply with the rules are also exempt from the VPL compulsory insurance. Voluntary liability insurance and protection for your own bicycle can still make sense.
Official sources and updates
- BOE: Real Decreto 518/2026 - in particular Articles 36, 85.4, 118 and 151-154 as well as the entry into force rule.
- BOE: Ley 5/2025 - Vehicle classes and exception for compliant Pedelecs.
Editorially checked on . This is a general overview of nationwide rules. Local permissions and restrictions are also governed by municipal regulations.