New traffic rules for scooters and bikes: how the change made by the Spanish government affects you

MadridOne of the issues that went to the Council of Ministers this Tuesday was a change in the traffic regulations to protect the most vulnerable. This was announced by the spokesperson, Elma Saiz, who was in charge of detailing the modification of the rule. These are the most relevant changes:

Bicycle

• From now on, riders or delivery driverswill have to wear a helmet and a reflective vest. Failure to do so will be considered a serious infraction with a fine of 200 euros.
• The exemptions for helmet use by all cyclists on interurban roads, i.e., on journeys between cities, are abolished.
• When a car overtakes a bicycle, it must reduce its speed by 20 km/h compared to what is set for the road, and if there are two lanes, it must change lanes completely to give it more space.
• Cyclists will preferably ride in the center of the lane.

Scooters

• The minimum age to drive a scooter (or personal mobility device) will be 15 years old.
• The helmet and the reflective vest will be mandatory in areas of low visibility. Professionals dedicated to distribution must always wear them. Otherwise, the fine will be 200 euros.
• They will have to bring lights.

Motorcycles

• The use of protective gloves will be mandatory for drivers and passengers on inter-city journeys, as well as closed footwear on all types of roads. That is, you will not be able to drive in flip-flops. The fine will be 200 euros.
• Helmets must be approved and not just registered.
• Traffic will be allowed on the right shoulder of the road as long as speeds do not exceed 30 km per hour in case of traffic congestion.
• As in the case of riders on bikes and scooters, they will also have to wear a reflective vest.

Taxi drivers

• From now on they will also be obliged to wear a seatbelt. There are no more exemptions.

Other changes

• When it snows, you will only be able to drive in the right lane and overtaking will be prohibited. The left lane will be kept clear for emergency vehicles.
• On pedestrian crossings with traffic lights, the intermittent orange light will not be able to coincide with the green light for pedestrians to cross. A measure that especially affects cities like Barcelona.