New traffic laws set to take effect on October 1 will introduce stricter safety measures for drivers on highways. Among the changes are mandatory speed reductions when overtaking and mandatory lane-keeping requirements during traffic jams. The updates aim to reduce risks for all road users, particularly those most vulnerable. With just three days remaining until the Real Decreto 518/2026 takes full effect on October 1, these changes will modify the General Traffic Regulations for key daily driving maneuvers.
Emergency lanes now required in gridlocks
Under the new rules, drivers will no longer have the choice to voluntarily clear space for emergency vehicles when traffic halts on multi-lane roads. Instead, they must form a dedicated emergency lane for ambulances, firefighters, and police. On two-lane highways, vehicles in the left lane must pull over to the median, while those in the right lane shift toward the shoulder.
For three-lane routes, the emergency corridor will open between the leftmost lane and the adjacent one. Left-lane drivers must stay close to the median, while others move right. Drivers will be prohibited from using the cleared space to inch forward. This shift from voluntary courtesy to mandatory compliance reflects the government’s push to standardize emergency access protocols across all highways.
Overtaking vulnerable road users now demands slower speeds
When passing cyclists, pedestrians, moped riders, or electric scooters outside urban areas, drivers must reduce their speed by 20 km/h below the posted limit. For example, on a 90 km/h road, overtaking speeds must not exceed 70 km/h. The slower speed must be maintained throughout the maneuver to prevent wind gusts from destabilizing vulnerable road users. This requirement applies even when using the adjacent lane, as previous lateral distance rules alone were insufficient to mitigate wind-related risks.
New safety rules for breakdowns and roadside stops
Motorists who encounter disabled vehicles, tow trucks, or roadside workers must slow to 20 km/h below the speed limit and maintain a distance of at least 1.5 meters. Additionally, drivers must now maintain this 1.5-meter lateral separation when passing stopped vehicles, not just during overtaking maneuvers. On multi-lane roads, drivers must switch lanes to avoid the hazard entirely. Non-compliance with these rules will result in a 200-euro fine and a 4-point penalty on the driver’s license. These measures apply to all roadside incidents, including minor breakdowns and accidents. The penalties show the government’s commitment to enforcing these new safety protocols uniformly across all road types.
