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Mallorca is zooming in on traffic — and tourists may be in the frame.Credit: MarioGuti from Getty Images Signature
Mallorca’s car park is at capacity, and not with tourists. In 2023 alone 400,000 vehicles entered the port of Mallorca, doubling that number from 2017. In 2023, 400,000 vehicles arrived in the port of Mallorca. This is a doubled number since 2017. Island officials are now pushing back with a new and bold proposal. They want to restrict vehicle entry, rental cars, as well as limit non-residents’ vehicles to only one. This law could be in effect by the summer of 2026. It will change how people travel around Mallorca, and influence who chooses to visit.
What is the proposal?
In theory, the law is straightforward, but it’s not so simple when you put it into practice. Mallorca wants to control the number cars on the roads, especially during the summer peak season. The plan will include restrictions that can be imposed on vacationers, tourists and second-home owner. This is how the draft proposal might look:
- Renting a car on the island is limited at certain times.
- Non-residents with property can own one vehicle per driver
- Priority access to low-emission vehicles or electric cars
- Vehicles that are not taxed on the Balearic Islands will be charged special fees
- Non-resident vehicles: Registration and tax obligations
This law exempts certain groups from its application, including local residents and emergency services personnel as well as individuals with reduced mobility and freight and logistics vehicles.
Why Mallorca and now?
Mallorca is not alone in its concern about the congestion of traffic. In recent years, other islands such as Ibiza, Formentera and Formentera have imposed vehicle restrictions to reduce pressure on their roads and environment. But the figures in Mallorca are telling their own story.
- In 2023, the number of vehicles arriving via ferry will increase by 108% (400,000) compared to 2017.
- Tourists drive to rural areas, which were not built for such a large amount of traffic. Residents face daily gridlock.
Mallorca was built on tourism. It’s a delicate balance. For many residents, however, the feeling of overcrowding has reached its limits. The message is clear: tourism can grow and continue, but cars cannot be allowed to run wild.
Who will be affected?
Local residents in Mallorca will only feel a minimal impact of this. If you are not a resident homeowner, a tourist or a rental company, then you will be the most affected.
- The number of vehicles available to tourists renting cars in the summer is limited, so prices will be higher and fewer choices.
- Non-residents who own holiday homes are limited to one vehicle and will have to pay tax at that address.
- Visitors who bring their cars by ferry are mainly those with high emissions, or whose car is not registered in the Balearics.
The proposed draft has gained momentum in the meantime and was submitted to the Consell de Mallorca. In the coming months, it is expected that this will be put up for a vote by parliament. Once it’s approved, the limit will go into effect in summer 2026. Just in time for peak tourism season.
- The rental car industry and tourism sector are expected to lobby, amend and debate in 2025.
- Finalising enforcement plans, including exceptions, registration and monitoring, will be required.
- Property owners and residents are notified ahead of time to register their vehicles.
Mallorca has made it clear that new rules are needed for mass tourism, and cars are the first to be subjected to the red light. Mallorca does not prohibit tourism. It is simply drawing a line for more cars. Congestion is increasing as the island experiences record numbers of visitors.
This proposal represents a new balance in the relationship between local life, and tourism. Once it is passed, some may be disappointed while others are delighted. One thing is certain: the road in front won’t be the same as the one behind.
