The Spanish government has introduced new regulations aimed at enhancing road safety for all users, particularly focusing on protecting so-called "vulnerable road users." These changes were approved by the Council of Ministers and involve modifications to the General Traffic Regulation. The initiative was proposed by Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska and announced by the spokesperson for the government, Elma Saiz, following the executive meeting. Among the most notable measures is the establishment of a minimum age of 15 years for operating electric scooters, known as vehicles of personal mobility (VMP).
Under these new rules, individuals who ride electric scooters must wear protective helmets at all times. Additionally, they are required to use reflective elements during nighttime hours or when visibility is low. For riders specifically, this reflective element becomes mandatory throughout their entire riding period. Failure to comply with either requirement constitutes a serious offense, carrying a fine of 200 euros. Furthermore, the regulation mandates that the lighting system of such vehicles must always remain on while in motion. Electric scooters can now also be used outside city limits on segregated lanes such as bike lanes.
Regarding bicycles, the regulation introduces several changes. Cyclists overtaking other vehicles must reduce their speed by at least 20 kilometers per hour compared to existing speed limits. On roads with more than one lane in each direction, cyclists must completely change lanes. Previously, exemptions existed for using helmets on interurban roads, but these have been removed. Now, wearing a helmet and a reflective vest is mandatory for bicycle riders at all times, with non-compliance resulting in a 200 euro fine.
In urban areas, cyclists should primarily travel along the center of the lane, and drivers of motor vehicles must maintain a minimum distance of five meters from preceding cyclists. Municipal authorities may allow two-way traffic on single-lane roads limited to speeds of 30 km/h or less. For motorcycles, the regulation permits driving on the right shoulder during traffic congestion without exceeding 30 km/h. Protective gloves are required on interurban roads, and closed footwear is mandated on all types of roads, both of which constitute infractions punishable by a 200 euro fine. Motorcycle helmets must be certified, and riders must wear reflective vests at all times, again under threat of a 200 euro penalty.
Revisions to seatbelt exemptions include the removal of exceptions for taxi drivers, delivery vehicle operators, and driving instructors. However, an exception remains for patients inside emergency ambulance compartments. Other provisions pertain to interurban roads, where vehicles passing others stopped due to accidents or breakdowns must maintain a side clearance of 1.5 meters and reduce speed by at least 20 km/h. Reflective gear is also required for pedestrians on interurban roads during nighttime or poor visibility conditions.
On highways and motorways, overtaking is prohibited during snowy weather, and traffic should be confined to the right-hand lane, leaving the left lane free. In situations involving pedestrian crossings, vehicles must move aside to create a central space called an "emergency lane." At pedestrian crossings equipped with traffic lights, the amber flashing light for vehicles must not coincide with the green light for pedestrians. The regulation also grants legal status to safe school routes and regulates caravan parking, prohibiting extensions beyond the vehicle's perimeter or discharging fluids. This is the first time the term "vulnerable road user" has been formally defined within legislation.
All these measures will come into effect starting October 1st, 2026. Exceptions apply to the mandatory lighting for VMP and certified helmets for motorcycles, which will take effect on October 1st, 2027. The requirement for certified gloves will become effective once the technical ministerial order approving them is issued.
3 reports
El PaísIndependent🔒CenterFactual 90Objective 8813 days agoThe Spanish government has approved new regulations requiring electric scooter riders to wear helmets, reflective vests, and keep their lights on during nighttime hours. The changes aim to protect vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and VMP (vehicle of personal mobility) users. Scooter riders must also be at least 15 years old and have registered their scooters with the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) and possess insurance, as previously mandated. These measures are part of broader efforts to improve road safety.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the regulation as a neutral measure aimed at improving road safety, citing the government's stated objective of protecting vulnerable road users. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The framing appears balanced, focusing on a
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 88): This article provides detailed information on the new regulations including mandatory lights and reflective vests. It supports the cross-source consensus but uses slightly more emotive language when referring to 'users vulnerable to the road'.
El MundoIndependent🔒CenterFactual 88Objective 8513 days agoThe Spanish government has approved new traffic regulations aimed at improving safety for vulnerable road users. The minimum age to operate electric scooters has been set at 15 years, with mandatory helmet use and reflective clothing during low visibility conditions. Riders who fail to comply face fines of 200 euros. Similar rules apply to cyclists, requiring helmets and reflective vests at all times, with penalties for non-compliance. Motorcyclists must wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes, while reflective vests are required in certain situations. Changes also include stricter seatbelt requirements, removing exemptions for taxi drivers and delivery vehicles, and introducing new rules for overtaking and nighttime visibility.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about newly implemented traffic regulations without apparent ideological framing. It outlines specific legal changes and their implications neutrally, citing official government actions and policies. There is no evident bias toward any political side, and the
Why these scores (Factual 88 · Objective 85): The article includes specific penalties like 200 euro fines and mentions additional details such as night-time requirements. However, it has some minor inconsistencies compared to the other sources and uses more direct language that may lean towards enforcement emphasis.
20minutosIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 9013 days agoThe Spanish government has set the minimum age for operating electric scooters at 15 years old and mandated the compulsory use of helmets. This decision comes in response to growing concerns over road safety and the increasing number of accidents involving electric scooters. The new regulations aim to reduce injuries and fatalities by enforcing stricter rules on scooter usage. The measure applies to both private individuals and commercial operators, requiring all users to wear protective gear while riding. These changes are part of broader efforts to improve urban mobility and safety across Spain.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual update on a government regulation without overtly favoring any political side. It focuses on the implementation of a policy aimed at improving road safety, with no evident ideological framing or biased language.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 90): The article accurately reports the government's decision on minimum age and helmet requirement for electric scooters. It aligns with the cross-source consensus. The tone remains neutral and informative.
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