The DGT updates the rules for cyclists: now wearing a helmet is mandatory without exceptions, and the way cars must overtake us changes

The Government has approved an important reform of the General Traffic Regulation that introduces relevant changes for cyclists and will mean the end of one of the most well-known historical exceptions of Spanish regulations: the use of helmets will become mandatory for all cyclists on interurban roads, without exceptions. This measure is part of a much broader update that also affects users of electric scooters, motorcyclists, and other groups considered vulnerable on the road.  

Goodbye to exceptions: helmets will be mandatory for all cyclists on the road from October 2026

The reform was approved by the Council of Ministers on June 23 and will come into effect on October 1, 2026. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the goal is to adapt the regulations to a new vision of mobility focused on the protection of people and not just on vehicles.  

Helmets will be mandatory for all cyclists on interurban roads

Until now, the regulations allowed cyclists over 16 years old to ride without a helmet on interurban roads in three specific situations: during prolonged ascents, when there were extreme heat conditions, and for duly accredited medical reasons. These exceptions, in place for years and sometimes subject to interpretation, will disappear with the entry into force of the new General Traffic Regulation, so all cyclists will have to wear helmets on the road regardless of temperature, gradient, or personal circumstances.

This is one of the most relevant changes for the cycling community within the reform and aims to strengthen the protection of users considered vulnerable in the event of an accident.

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The regulation does not modify the current regime on urban roads for private cyclists, where the existing specific rules will continue to apply.

The reform also introduces specific measures for those who carry out their professional activity on a bicycle, such as delivery workers or riders.

From the entry into force of the regulation, these workers will always have to wear a protective helmet and a reflective vest while performing their activity, regardless of the type of road they are on. Failure to comply with any of these obligations will be considered a serious infraction and will be punished with a fine of 200 euros.  

Important changes for drivers overtaking cyclists

The reform not only introduces obligations for cyclists but also tightens the conditions for overtaking by motor vehicles.

Starting in October, drivers who overtake a cyclist on an interurban road must reduce their speed by at least 20 km/h compared to the maximum speed limit allowed on that road.  

For example:

• On a road limited to 90 km/h, the overtaking must be done at a maximum of 70 km/h.
• On a road limited to 70 km/h, the overtaking must be done at a maximum of 50 km/h.

Additionally, on roads with more than one lane in each direction, it will be mandatory to change completely to another lane to overtake a cyclist, while also maintaining a minimum lateral separation of 1.5 meters.  

This measure aims to reduce the effect of turbulence and increase the safety margin during overtaking maneuvers.

Cyclists will be able to preferentially occupy the center of the lane in the city

Another of the most notable new features affects urban circulation. The new regulation expressly recognizes that cyclists may preferentially ride in the center of the lane to improve their safety.  

Although in many cities this practice was already common and recommended by mobility experts, it will now be explicitly reflected in the General Traffic Regulation.

The goal is to increase the visibility of cyclists and reduce risky situations arising from overly tight overtaking.

Bicycles in both directions on streets limited to 30 km/h

The reform also opens the door for municipalities to allow bicycles to circulate in both directions on certain one-way streets.

The measure may be applied on urban roads with a single lane and a speed limit of 30 km/h or less, and only if there is specific signage authorizing it.  

This is a solution that already exists in many European countries and aims to facilitate bicycle travel without the need for long detours.

Minimum distance of 5 meters behind a bicycle

Motor vehicle drivers will also have to respect a new minimum distance when driving behind a bicycle in the city.

The regulation establishes that they must maintain at least five meters of separation from the cyclist in front of them in the same lane.  

This measure aims to reduce pressure situations on the cyclist and improve the ability to react to sudden braking or unexpected maneuvers.

When will the changes come into effect

The vast majority of the new measures will come into effect on October 1, 2026, once the corresponding Royal Decree is published.  

For cyclists, this means that from that date, the use of helmets on interurban roads will become mandatory without exceptions, marking one of the most important regulatory changes for this group in recent years.