Cycling in Spain, 2025. Do cyclists need to adhere to the rules? Ten things to consider before you get on your bike.
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Spain is experiencing a cycling boom. Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has laid down the law – and some of the rules are anything but a freewheeling ride. The law has been laid down, and some of the rules are anything but a freewheeling ride. there’s A long list of to-dos and don’ts don’ts Everyone who rides a bicycle should be aware of the following:
Here’s The crash course on Spanish Bicycle Law 101 – with fines that’ll Knock the wind out of lycra.
Cycling in Spain
Number 1: Hold the phone – or cough up €200
Think Can you make a call during the ride? You may be mistaken. Use your mobile phone or Wear As with any other vehicle, wearing headphones while cycling is prohibited. Ears need to be on high alert – not blasting reggaeton. Fine: €200
Number 2: Pump the brakes – with a wave
You suddenly brake? Brake suddenly? You can also read about how to get in touch with us. signal with a quick up-and-down arm wave – but don’t Panic if it’s The same goes for the other way around. Quickly and easily Let go. This one It is a good idea to use a bilingual translator Recommended byNot required
Number 3: There are cycle lanes everywhere. The word “use” is used.
They’re Not just pretty paint on the sidewalk. It is not compulsory. it’s Please be advised. Stick to cycle lanes whenever available – especially in cities or on roads.
Number 4: No beer and no pedalling
Drink-cycling? You may not lose your licence but you could face serious consequences. The following is a list of the most popular ways to contact us lose money. It’s not just about losing money. people’s Cyclists put their lives in danger Risk to cyclists The event is held Drivers are subject to a 0.5g/l limit. Fine: €500–€1,000 depending on level and history.
Number 5: One child only and under 7 years old
Imagine riding a bike with a toddler attached to the back. It’s true! it’s legal – as long as they’re If you are under 7 years old, please sit in a seat that is appropriate. you’re Over 18. Break the rule You can also find out more about the following: it’s a €100 fine – but the Real Estate The cost could be even worse. The following is a list of the most popular ways to contact us It’s not a joke
Number 6: Lighting on, or get done
Ride at night or in tunnels and underpasses. All cyclists have to have both front and back lights turned on. Fine: €200.
Number 7: Pedestrians first, always
Zebra crossings aren’t a personal runway is available for cyclists. Cyclists must give way to pedestrians in Spain – even if there’s No crossing marked when turning onto another street Fine: €200.
Number 8: Cycle path = top dog
On marked bike lanes or cyclist crossings, cyclists take priority over vehicles. Elsewhere? Follow the road signs just like everyone else. Failing to give way = €200
Number 9: Roundabout Rules
Ah, roundabouts… In a group of people? The Priority is given to the whole pack The roundabout will be activated once the lead cyclist has entered it. Yep – the The whole of the world pack. It is important that cyclists follow the same rules as other road users on roundabouts. The following is a list of the most popular ways to contact us Give way to the left. The following is a list of the most effective ways to improve your chances. The roundabout has already been entered to your leftYou give way. Enter the lane by signaling your entry with both hands. The left lane is left. The right lane is straight ahead. Right. You can enter the room if you give a signal. you’re LeftYou The roundabout must be exited unless otherwise indicated. you’re going straight ahead. There is no racing on the right. left, The left lane is the right lane. Same As elsewhere
Number 10: Pay up if you ignore traffic lights
Yes, the red light also applies to cyclists. The same goes for STOP signs and Give Way signs. Fine: €150–€500.
Number 11: Indicate…
If they’re turning, changing lanes or pulling out – arm signals are mandatory for cyclists. Fine: €200.
Number 12: Helmet laws for cyclists in Spain
Only under-16s must wear helmets in town – but everyone should.
Fine for no helmet (if required): €200
Number 13: Zebra crossings = dismount zone
Cycling is a sport that has been embraced by cyclists for many years. You can also check out our other blog posts. People just walk because they’re On a bicycle. If they want to cross the road as a pedestrian, they must do so. You have to Stop and walk the route like a normal pedestrian. Fine: €200.
Number 14: Do not pedal on the pavement
The sidewalks are strictly prohibited unless they’re Sign up for our Newsletter For shared use Fine: up to €100.
NEW RULES FOR 2025 – know them before you ride
You can also find out more about the following: DGT is shifting gears in 2025 with a new batch of rules to make roads safer for cyclists and drivers– and penalties stricter than ever.
City Updates:
- Cyclists must now ride in the centre of the lane on urban roads – not squashed against the curb.
- Cars must keep a 5-metre gap Behind the bikes in cities
Overtaking rules:
- Overtaking a cyclist on rural roads now requires a minimum of 1.5 metres space and a slowdown to at least 20km/h below the speed limit.
- Drivers can cross a solid white line to do it – but only if it’s safe.
Visibility at night:
- Reflective clothing has become a fashion trend. You can’t help but be amazed at how quickly you get used to it. at night or in low-light conditions – no exceptions.
New powers for cyclists
- On one-way streets, cyclists are allowed to ride in the opposite direction (limit 30 km/h). Now, Go to Against the flow Legally,.
- Cyclists are often stuck in traffic jams You can find out more about this by clicking here. Allowing to ективн between lanes – left or right – but only if they’re Be careful and visible
On the open road – different gear, different rules
Respect and reflect
Cycling at night or when it is low-light must be done with high-visibility reflective gear that can be seen from 150 meters away. Fine: €80.
Helmet on – no excuses
The road to success No ifs or buts. The following is a list of the most popular ways to contact us includes all cyclists – unless they are in a competition, climbing a serious hill, or it’s The temperature is dangerously high. Fine: €200.
Use the hard shoulder
When cycling, cyclists must use hard shoulder. it’s there – only venturing onto the carriageway during long downhill stretches. Fine: €200
Ride two-by-two, With care
In Spain, cyclists can ride two abreast on the road but not in blind spots or narrow sections. Then it’s Single file only Fine: €100.
What the DGT Says
Recent DGT video explains the difference between solid white and dotted lines.
‘YYou can also say, “es” You can also read about how to get in touch with us. cross a solid line to overtake a cyclist – but only if it’s Completely safe‘ DGT confirms on its official site.
Fail to Do So You can also check out our other services. doesn’t just risk a fine – it could cost lives.
Cycle intelligently Signalize clearly. Ride safely.
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