Next year 2026, the ways of moving around Madrid will be different. The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) is outlining a new reform of the General Traffic Regulations, which will bring changes such as mandatory gloves on motorcycles, helmets without exceptions on bicycles or electric scooter lights on even during the day.
After more than four years of work, the text has reached its final stage of ministerial processing and is expected to enter into force on January 2, 2026. The new measures are intended to improve the safety of the most vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, scooter and motorcycle riders.
The reform will affect all sectors involved in daily traffic in the city, so it will have an impact on drivers of cars, cabs, bicycles, scooters and even riders or home delivery drivers.
Seat belts for everyone and mandatory lights on scooters
One of the big news will be the end of a historic exemption: cab drivers, goods delivery drivers and driving school teachers will now also have to wear seat belts inside the city. The only exceptions are drivers and passengers of emergency vehicles or ambulance ambulances and children under 1.35 m tall when riding in cabs in the city (they must travel in the rear seats).
In the case of electric scooters (personal mobility vehicles), lights will be mandatory at all times, even during the day, although this measure will not be required until one year after the regulation comes into force. In addition, the limitations on the circulation of electric scooters increase: they will not be able to use the VAO lanes and doing so will entail a fine of 200 euros (100 if paid within the first 20 days).
Riders or home delivery drivers are also affected by the new regulations. Those using motorcycles, bicycles or scooters must wear a reflective vest, not only on urban roads but also on highways.
Protections for cyclists and motorcyclists
The integral case will no longer be mandatory for motorcycle drivers, but, if worn, it must be “properly fastened“. Protective gloves and closed footwear will also be required for all motorcyclists.
For their part, cyclists will be allowed to circulate “in columns of two by two” on the shoulder. Another important measure is that people with a certificate of “serious medical reasons” will no longer be exempted from wearing helmets. This obligation also extends to motorcyclists and moped drivers.
Overtaking and parking in Madrid
The new DGT traffic regulations are very clear on the conditions for overtaking a vehicle immobilized on the road. It will now be necessary to reduce speed to at least 20 km/h below the road limit and maintain a lateral distance of 1.5 meters, even if this means invading the oncoming lane.
Finally, stopping and parking in the vicinity of crosswalks is prohibited, as they may compromise the visibility of people crossing.
Once the new regulations are published, municipalities such as Madrid will have a period of two years to align their municipal ordinances with these guidelines.