Riding a Motorcycle in Spain (2025) – Updated Rules, Regulations & Safety Laws

The New Motorcycle regulations for 2025

Riding a motorcycle in Spain offers breathtaking landscapes and year-round sunshine – but before you hit the road, it's crucial to know the laws. In 2025, Spain has introduced new regulations affecting licensing, safety gear, and road rules.

What this guide covers

• What license you need to ride different motorcycles.
• Updated 2025 rules on helmets, safety gear and intercoms.
• Speed limits, ITV inspections and motorcycle road tax.
• How to avoid fines and penalties.

What motorcycles, mopeds and scooters you can ride

The driving license you hold determines what type of motorcycles you can legally ride in Spain. There are four different classes of motorcycle licenses:

• AM license: Mopeds up to 50cc (from age 15).
• A1 license: Motorcycles up to 125cc (from age 16).
• A2 license: Motorcycles up to 47 hp (from age 18).
• A license: Motorcycles of any power (from age 20, after holding A2 for 2 years).

For full details on motorcycle licenses, requirements, and how to obtain one, visit the DGT Traffic Authority Official Page.

New safety regulations in 2025

Several rules changed in 2025, especially for protective gear and how riders can use the hard shoulder in traffic jams.

• Emergency lane use: Motorcyclists can now legally use the right-hand hard shoulder in traffic jams, provided traffic is stopped or moving slowly, they do not exceed 30 km/h, and they yield to emergency vehicles or other authorised users of the shoulder.
• Protective gear on interurban roads: Approved protective gloves and a full-face or modular helmet are now required for motorcyclists on interurban roads, and riders must wear closed-toe footwear on all roads.
• Helmet law: All riders and passengers must wear an approved, properly fastened helmet. Riding without a helmet or with a non-approved one typically carries a fine of around €200 and loss of licence points.

Carrying passengers

• Passengers must be at least 12 years old (or 7+ if the main rider is a parent, guardian, or an authorised adult).
• Motorcycles must have an appropriate seat and footrests for passengers.
• Both rider and passenger must wear approved helmets.

Required documentation

• Valid driving license.
• Vehicle registration documents.
• Proof of insurance.
• ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) certificate, if applicable.

For more details on ITV inspections, check our ITV Inspection Guide.

It’s also advisable to carry a high-visibility vest in case of breakdowns.

Motorcycle speed limits

• Urban roads: 50 km/h by default (lower limits such as 30 km/h or 20 km/h may apply on some streets).
• Non-urban roads: 90 km/h.
• Motorways: 120 km/h (mopeds not allowed).

Common fines and penalties for motorcyclists

Spain’s traffic authority (DGT) takes motorcycle safety seriously, and many of the 2025 rules come with tougher penalties for risky behaviour.

• Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limit can result in on‑the‑spot fines and, in more serious cases, the loss of licence points or even a criminal offence.
• No helmet or non‑approved helmet: Riding without an approved, properly fastened helmet typically leads to a fine of around €200 and loss of licence points.
• Ignoring traffic signs or signals: Failing to respect stop signs, traffic lights, solid lines or give‑way markings can bring significant fines and points on your licence.
• Riding without ITV, tax or insurance: Not having a valid ITV certificate, road tax (IVTM) or compulsory third‑party insurance can lead to vehicle immobilisation and substantial financial penalties.
• Improper use of the hard shoulder: Using the emergency lane outside the specific 30 km/h traffic‑jam conditions, or blocking emergency vehicles, can also result in fines.

Sticking to the limits, keeping your documentation up to date and respecting the new protective‑gear rules are the easiest ways to avoid costly sanctions.

Road tax and ITV inspections

• All motorcycles must pay an annual road tax (IVTM).
• Motorcycles are exempt from ITV for the first four years, then require inspections every two years.
• Mopeds are exempt for three years, then require ITV every two years.

For full details on Spanish road tax (IVTM), check our guide here: Car and bike road tax in Spain – an expat’s guide.

Insurance requirements

• A minimum of third-party liability insurance is mandatory for all motorcycles and mopeds.
• For expats or non-residents, our private medical insurance plans cover motorcycle accidents and road emergencies.

Intercoms and headsets

• Using intercoms and headsets is permitted as long as they are approved systems and do not obstruct the rider’s ability to hear external sounds.

Parking regulations

• Parking rules for motorcycles vary by city.
• It is generally prohibited to park on sidewalks unless explicitly allowed.
• Always check local signage and regulations to avoid fines.

Riding safely in Spain

By staying informed and adhering to these guidelines, you can enjoy safe and lawful motorcycling experiences throughout Spain.

Further changes to motorcycle safety gear and enforcement are expected from 2026, so it’s wise to check the latest guidance from the DGT before you ride.