Spain’s traffic law overhaul will reshape how motorcyclists and delivery riders operate on the road starting October 1, with stricter safety rules targeting a key source of accidents. The new regulations, set to take effect under Real Decreto 518/2026, eliminate long-standing exemptions for delivery workers while introducing mandatory gear for motorcyclists—changes that will be enforced immediately upon implementation.
New gear rules for motorcyclists
From October 1, riders on highways, expressways, or secondary roads must wear homologated gloves and closed-toe footwear, sandals or flip-flops are no longer permitted. The law also requires a high-visibility vest to be kept in the bike’s storage compartment so that it can be quickly donned during an emergency stop. These measures are intended to lower the incidence of severe injuries that often occur when a rider falls on faster, intercity routes where road conditions and speed combine to raise collision risk.
The requirement for protective gloves and proper shoes is accompanied by a clear expectation that the equipment meet approved safety standards. By mandating that the vest be readily accessible, authorities hope that riders will be able to increase their visibility to other motorists within seconds of a sudden slowdown.
Helmet standards tightened
The update also tightens helmet standards. Only UNECE R22-compliant helmets will be legal for scooters, which means older models that do not pass the latest impact tests must be replaced. Delivery workers on bikes or e-scooters now face the same helmet rules as motorcyclists, aligning safety protocols across all two-wheeled professionals.
This uniformity is designed to ensure that every rider, regardless of the vehicle type, benefits from the same level of head protection. The shift eliminates the previous situation where some riders could continue using helmets that lacked the most recent safety features.
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Legal use of helmet intercoms
A long-standing gray area has been resolved: wireless intercoms in helmets are now explicitly legal, provided they are homologated. This clarification removes past inconsistencies where riders were fined for using hands-free communication devices during rides.
Arcén access and penalty hikes
Motorcycles will gain limited arcén access in traffic jams, provided speeds stay under 30 km/h and they yield to emergency vehicles. The change targets urban congestion, where slow-moving traffic creates hazards for riders stuck behind larger vehicles.
Non-compliance carries steep penalties: 200-euro fines and 4-point license deductions for missing gear, expired helmets, or improperly installed communication devices. The rules apply immediately, with enforcement expected from day one.
Broader impact on delivery workers
The reform also removes the historic seat-belt exemptions for delivery workers, aligning their safety obligations with other road users. The shift reflects broader efforts to cut road fatalities.
