New traffic regulations in Spain: Protection for cyclists – but also new obligations

Anyone travelling to Spain for mountain biking, gravel biking or road cycling needs to be aware of changes to the traffic regulations. Since 1 October 2026, the reform of the Spanish Highway Code, introduced by Royal Decree 518/2026, has been in force. This is particularly relevant for Trips and training camps in Mallorca These points are:

Outside built-up areas: Compulsory helmet use with no exceptions

On roads outside built-up areas, cyclists must wear a helmet. The previous exemptions, such as for long climbs or high temperatures, no longer apply. For children and young people under the age of 16, the helmet requirement continues to apply on all roads. Controversial: According to consistent media reports, a breach of the helmet requirement is classified as a serious administrative offence. This carries a fine of 200 euros, which can be reduced to 100 euros if paid promptly.

Anyone driving outside built-up areas after dark or in conditions of significantly reduced visibility must also have at least one luminous or reflective element that is visible from a distance of at least 150 metres.

Clear rules for motorists

Good news for cyclists: there are new rules for motorists too. In particular, overtaking is now regulated more strictly. They must maintain a lateral distance of at least 1.5 metres whilst doing so, and must remain at least 20 km/h below the permitted speed limit for that stretch of road. So, at a speed limit of 90, the maximum permitted speed is 70 km/h. If there is more than one lane in each direction, a full lane change is required when overtaking.

In built-up areas: centre of the carriageway and a distance of five metres

In towns and cities, cyclists should generally ride on the carriageway and, preferably, in the centre of their lane. However, if there is a dedicated cycle lane or cycle path, priority must be given to using this dedicated infrastructure. Motor vehicles must maintain a distance of at least five metres from a cyclist ahead of them in the same lane. On one-way streets with a single lane and a speed limit of 30 km/h or less, the local authority may permit cycling in the opposite direction, provided this is indicated by appropriate signage. This does not constitute a blanket authorisation for all one-way streets.

For motorcyclists, road cyclists and gravel cyclists, the distinction between built-up and non-built-up areas is particularly important: the general helmet requirement applies in non-built-up areas, but not automatically on every urban road. Anyone who Planning a trip to Mallorca, you should make sure you wear a helmet and ensure you are visible throughout the entire route.

Groups count as a single unit

When cyclists ride in a group, they are regarded as a single unit of traffic when being overtaken. Motorists must therefore overtake the group whilst maintaining the prescribed lateral distance and must not endanger anyone in the process. At junctions and roundabouts, the following also applies: if the first cyclist in the group has already reached the junction or has entered the roundabout, the group has right of way over other vehicles. This is not a licence to carry on when the lights are red. Traffic light signals still apply to each individual cyclist.

Rolling up to traffic lights

Within built-up areas, cyclists may pass vehicles that are stationary or stopping frequently on the right or left if this is safer for them. At traffic lights and in traffic jams, this allows them to reach a marked waiting area in front of the cars. The key factor is that it must be safe to move forward. The rule does not permit cyclists to ride through a red light or to continue past the stop line.