Cycling Laws In Spain

With superb year-round weather and an ever-expanding network of bike lanes and rural trails, Spain is one of the best countries in Europe to explore by bicycle. But if you're cycling in Spain — whether as a local resident, tourist, or long-distance bike tourer — you’re expected to follow the same traffic laws as any other road user. That means fines, police checks, mandatory gear, and some surprisingly specific rules.

In Spain, bicycles are legally classified as vehicles. Cyclists must obey the general norms of the Spanish road code, including stop signs, speed limits, lane discipline, and signalling. However, there are also specific rules that apply only to bicycles — many of which catch out expats and visitors unfamiliar with the law.

Below is a full breakdown of the current cycling laws in Spain for 2025, including gear requirements, where you can (and can’t) ride, fines, helmet rules, and updates from the Spanish Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT).

Bicycle Helmet Laws In Spain

In 2014, Spain revised its national cycling laws to clarify helmet use. The current rule states:

• Children under 16 must wear a helmet at all times — both in urban and non-urban areas, even as passengers.
• Adults (16+) must wear a helmet outside urban areas.
• Adults riding in towns and cities are exempt, except when required by local ordinance.
• There are exemptions for adults in extreme heat, during steep ascents, or when cycling as a professional sport.

Note: Some ayuntamientos (town halls) enforce stricter rules and may require helmets in urban zones — particularly in cycling-heavy cities like Valencia or Zaragoza. When in doubt, wear one.

Basic Road Rules for Cyclists in Spain

All cyclists must comply with standard traffic regulations, and you can be fined in the same way as a driver. Here are the key rules:

• Ride on the right-hand side of the road. Never cycle against traffic.
• Use marked cycle lanes where available. In urban zones, cyclists should not exceed 30 km/h.
• Do not ride in bus lanes unless signs specifically allow bikes.
• Mobile phones are banned while cycling — even hands-free.
• No headphones or earbuds while riding. Listening to music or podcasts is prohibited.
• Always keep at least one hand on the handlebars. Use hand signals clearly when turning.
• Respect pedestrian crossings and yield where appropriate.
• Do not attach your bicycle to trees, benches, signs, traffic lights, or waste bins.
• Park only in designated bike stands or approved areas.
• Children under 7 must be seated in an approved child carrier and must wear a helmet.

Equipment Requirements for Bicycles

To be road-legal, all bicycles must be equipped with the following:

• A bell
• Rear red reflector
• Front white light and rear red light (must be on between sunset and sunrise or in tunnels)
• Reflective clothing must be worn between dusk and dawn or during poor visibility on interurban roads

Sidewalks and Pedestrian Areas

In general, riding on pavements is prohibited unless clearly marked for shared use. However, local councils may allow limited exceptions. In the absence of signage, you may ride on pavements or public parks only if the following apply:

• There is no cycle lane available
• There are no signs prohibiting bicycles
• The pavement is at least 3 metres wide
• You ride at less than 10 km/h and maintain 1 metre distance from pedestrians
• You can ride in a straight line for more than 5 metres

If you’re pushing your bicycle on foot, you’re classed as a pedestrian and may use any pavement.

New for 2025: Focus on VMP Crossover

The rise of electric scooters and other personal mobility vehicles (VMPs) has triggered new regulation in Spain, which increasingly overlaps with bike law. Cyclists must now:

• Be prepared to share lanes with VMPs in many towns
• Not exceed 25 km/h in mixed-use zones
• Yield to pedestrians in all shared-use areas

The DGT has also clarified that bicycles may not use zebra crossings unless dismounted — a rule often misunderstood by both riders and drivers.

Cycling Under the Influence

Cyclists are subject to the same blood alcohol limits as drivers. Police may perform random roadside breath tests. If you're caught over the legal limit, you could face fines between €500 and €1,000 — even if no accident occurs.

Fines for Cycling Offences in Spain (Updated)

Below are common fines cyclists may face in 2025:

• No brakes or faulty brakes – €80
• No lights between sunset and sunrise – €200
• Failure to stop at a red light – €200
• No bell on the bicycle – €80
• Failure to give way – €200
• No reflective gear when required – €200
• Using headphones or mobile phone – €200
• Skipping a red light or stop sign – €150 to €500
• Not signalling a manoeuvre – €200
• Being drunk on a bike – €500 to €1,000

In reality, enforcement varies depending on the region, time of day, and whether local police are actively targeting cyclists — but random stops are not uncommon, especially in high-tourism areas and national parks.

Can You Cycle Two Abreast?

Yes — cyclists may ride two abreast on most roads in Spain, but must switch to single file in areas of poor visibility or where traffic buildup makes it dangerous. You must always keep as far to the right as safely possible.

Summary: Key Tips for Expats and Tourists

• Wear a helmet outside of urban zones (and always if you're under 16)
• Equip your bike with a bell, lights, and reflectors
• Never wear headphones or use your phone while riding
• Stay off pavements unless conditions legally allow it
• Stick to bike lanes wherever available
• Bring ID when riding — Spanish police can and do perform ID checks

Health Insurance That Covers Road Accidents

If you regularly cycle in Spain — especially on roads shared with traffic — it’s important to have private health insurance that covers accident and emergency treatment. Public hospitals may not cover you fully, especially as a non-resident.

Sanitas Top Quantum includes full traffic accident cover — ideal for regular cyclists, commuters, and expat families on the move.