22/09/2026
𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗨𝗟𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗬𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗡 🚴🇪🇸
From Thursday 1 October 2026, new traffic rules come into force across Spain under Real Decreto 518/2026, with several important changes designed to protect cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
If you drive in Spain, these are worth knowing.
🚗 Slow down before overtaking
Outside towns, when overtaking a cyclist you must reduce your speed to at least 20 km/h below the speed limit BEFORE beginning the manoeuvre, and remain at least 20 km/h below the limit throughout the overtake.
So on a road with a 90 km/h limit, you must overtake at 70 km/h or less.
This rule also applies when overtaking pedestrians, mopeds, e-scooters, horse riders, animals and animal-drawn vehicles.
↔️ Leave at least 1.5 metres
The minimum sideways distance when overtaking remains 1.5 metres.
If there are two or more lanes in your direction, you must move completely into the next lane to overtake — not simply straddle the line.
🏙️ Stay at least 5 metres behind cyclists
Drivers of motor vehicles must leave a minimum 5-metre gap behind a cyclist travelling ahead in the same lane.
Remember the difference:
1.5 metres = minimum sideways distance when passing
5 metres = minimum distance when following
🚲 Cyclists can use the centre of the lane
In towns, bicycles will generally use the road and should preferably ride in the centre of the lane, rather than being expected to hug the kerb.
So don't assume a cyclist riding in the middle of the lane is doing something wrong.
🚦 Cyclists can pass queuing traffic
At traffic lights and in congested traffic, cyclists may pass stationary or frequently stopping vehicles on either the left or right to reach an advanced cycle waiting area.
Drivers need to check both mirrors before moving off or turning.
↩️ Some one-way streets can become two-way for bicycles
On single-lane urban streets with a speed limit of 30 km/h or less, councils can permit cyclists to travel in both directions.
This must be specifically authorised and signposted, so it doesn't mean every one-way street automatically becomes two-way for bikes.
⚠️ And the penalties can be significant
Overtaking a cyclist while endangering or obstructing them, or failing to leave the required 1.5-metre separation, can result in a €200 fine and the loss of 6 points from your driving licence.
Some of these protections — including the 1.5-metre passing distance and full lane change on multi-lane roads — already existed.
The particularly important changes from 1 October include the requirement to reduce your speed by at least 20 km/h when overtaking outside towns and the 5-metre minimum following distance behind cyclists.
Please share — there are going to be plenty of drivers who don't know about these changes when they come into force on 1 October. 🚗🚴
