Spanish Cycling Regulations

Spanish authorities plan to tighten enforcement of Spanish Cycling Regulations in 2026, so stay sharp and avoid getting caught out.

Heading to Spain for a winter training camp? Expect the Guardia Civil to step up enforcement of Spanish Cycling Regulations. Recent data reports 7,033 cyclist injuries between 2013 and 2022, and that rise has pushed the Guardia Civil to roll out more mobile patrols and static checkpoints. Officers now monitor cyclists more closely as they work to cut accident rates in increasingly congested urban areas.

No more ‘blind eye’ when it comes to Spanish roads

An article in the EuroWeekly online news-site has warned that “Cyclists face fines ranging from €100 to €200 for manoeuvres that were previously given a blind eye to by many.”

While the article seems to suggest that it’s mainly those naughty non-cyclists, who give us all a bad name by riding on pavements, not using lights and just generally being a pain, it would be a good idea to cast your eye over the Spanish Cycling Regulations; just in case. You wouldn’t want that warm-weather training camp you’ve been looking forward to all winter spoilt by a fine.

Spanish Cycling Regulations

Mobile phones

Cyclists must not use a mobile phone while riding. The same rule applies to headphones connected to music players or receivers. Headphones block traffic noise and increase distraction. Using a phone or headphones while cycling brings a €200 fine.

Alcohol

Cyclists must follow the same alcohol limits as drivers: a maximum of 0.5 g/l in the blood or more than 0.25 mg/l in exhaled air. Officers may request a breathalyser test at any time, and cyclists must comply. A positive test results in €500 or more in fines.

Passengers

Cyclists may only carry a child up to seven years old, and only in an approved child seat. The rider must be at least 18. Carrying a child incorrectly leads to a €100 penalty.

Lights

Cyclists must switch on front and rear lights when riding at night, in underpasses or in tunnels. Riding without lights costs €200.

Pedestrian priority

Cyclists must give way at pedestrian crossings and when turning into another road. Ignoring pedestrian priority results in a €200 fine.

Cyclist priority

Cyclists have priority over motor vehicles when riding on a bike path. In all other situations, they must follow the standard priority rules. Drivers who fail to yield to cyclists at an intersection face a €200 fine.

Groups in roundabouts

When riding in a group, cyclists gain priority at a roundabout as soon as the first rider enters it.

Starting off

Before setting off, cyclists must check the road they’re joining, ensure no vehicles are approaching, and signal their manoeuvre. Starting without checking brings a €200 fine.

Traffic signs

Cyclists must obey traffic lights and all fixed signs, including stop, give way and speed‑limit signs. Running a red light carries a €150–500 fine.

Signalling

Cyclists must signal every manoeuvre, including turns, lane changes and changes of direction. Signal with the right arm extended horizontally or the left arm bent at a right angle. Not signalling results in a €200 fine.

Pedestrian crossings

Cyclists do not have priority on pedestrian crossings unless the crossing is specifically for bikes. At a standard crossing, they must dismount and walk. Riding across brings a €200 fine.

Pavements

Cyclists must not ride on pavements or in pedestrian‑only areas unless signs allow shared use. Riding on the pavement can lead to a fine of up to €100.

Reflective gear

Cyclists must wear a reflective garment whenever lights are required so other road users can see them from at least 150 metres. Riding without reflectors or reflective clothing costs €80.

Helmets outside town

Outside built‑up areas, cyclists must wear an approved protective helmet unless they are on a prolonged climb, have a medical exemption or face extreme heat. The helmet must stay correctly fastened. Riding without a required helmet brings a €200 fine.

Hard shoulder

Outside town, cyclists must use the hard shoulder on the right when one exists. They may leave it only on prolonged descents and only when it’s safe. Riding on the roadway instead of the hard shoulder results in a €200 fine.

Riding two‑abreast

Cyclists may ride two‑abreast, keeping as far right as possible. Riding in groups of more than two side‑by‑side leads to a €100 fine.

Check before you fly

Generally you will find that most of the rules are reasonable and sensible, so following them shouldn’t be an issue. Like many European countries, Spanish Cycling Regulations also expect drivers to respect cyclists. So while you can’t ride in huge mini-pelotons and have to give way to pedestrians, drivers also have to reduce their speed when overtaking, keep five metres behind you and let you group pass as one on a roundabout.

So if you are lucky enough to heading to Spain with your bike, read up on your Spanish Cycling Regulations while sipping your cortado!