Riding in Spain? New glove law and other motorcycle rule changes explained

The biggest draw for British riders heading to Spain each year isn't just the sunshine, it's the roads. But from October 1, 2026, anyone planning a two-wheeled trip south will need to pay a little more attention to what's in their riding kit.

Spain has approved a raft of new traffic regulations aimed at improving safety for vulnerable road users. While much of the legislation focuses on cyclists and e-scooter users, there are several changes that directly affect motorcyclists, including those travelling in from abroad.

The headline change is the introduction of compulsory protective gloves for both riders and passengers travelling on interurban roads. The rule applies to motorcycles, mopeds, three-wheelers, quads and similar vehicles, with anyone caught riding without them facing a €200 (£170) fine. Technical standards for exactly what qualifies as an approved glove are still to be confirmed, but until then, assume that conventional CE-approved motorcycle gloves will satisfy the requirement.

Another new rule means open-toed footwear is off the menu, meaning that wind-between-the-toes feeling will need to wait till you’re off the bike. From October, riders and pillions must wear closed shoes that completely cover the foot, regardless of whether they're riding through a city or out on the open road. Flip-flops, sandals and similar footwear will no longer be legal.

Helmet rules are also being tightened, particularly for moped riders, with approved helmets becoming mandatory under the updated regulations. Professional riders using motorcycles for work, such as couriers, will also be required to wear high-visibility clothing.

Not every change makes life harder, though.

One of the more interesting additions gives motorcycles limited permission to use the hard shoulder during traffic jams. It isn't a free-for-all, however, as riders will only be allowed to use the shoulder where signs specifically permit it. Speeds are capped at below 30km/h (19mph), and cyclists retain priority if they're already using the space. The measure is designed to ease congestion while improving access for emergency vehicles.

The wider package also introduces tougher rules for drivers overtaking cyclists. From October, motorists will have to slow by at least 20km/h below the posted speed limit while passing cyclists and, on multi-lane roads, move completely into the next lane rather than partially crossing the lane markings. Drivers must also leave at least 1.5 metres when passing cyclists or stationary vehicles at the roadside. Those measures are primarily aimed at protecting vulnerable road users, although they'll inevitably affect anyone sharing Spain's popular mountain roads.

While the reforms also include new regulations covering bicycles, e-scooters and emergency corridors, it's the motorcycle-specific changes that will matter most to visiting riders.

Spain's move also comes just days after Australia's state of New South Wales introduced its own motorcycle safety shake-up, making approved gloves compulsory for learner and provisional riders, while learner motorcyclists must also wear high-visibility clothing. While the two countries are taking slightly different approaches, both point to the same wider trend: governments are increasingly looking beyond helmets when it comes to legislating what riders wear. Whether the UK ever follows suit is the really big question, but for anyone heading abroad on two wheels, keeping up with local riding laws is becoming just as important as remembering your passport.

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