Cycling rules in Spain (2026)
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
In short: Cyclists must wear a helmet on interurban roads and, on all roads, under 16. The alcohol limit for cyclists is 0.5 g/l in blood. At night outside towns cyclists need a light or reflective element visible at 150 m.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Helmet for adultsCycling on public roads | Cyclists must wear a fastened, approved helmet on interurban roads. In urban areas, the Regulation names people who cycle as their job as required to wear one. [1] |
| Helmet for childrenCycling on public roads | Cyclists under 16 must wear a fastened, approved helmet on every type of road. [1] |
| Lights and reflectorsCycling on public roads | Cyclists who ride between sunset and sunrise, or in conditions of clearly reduced visibility, must use at least one light or reflective element that meets the personal protective equipment rules, if they ride on an interurban road. It must be visible from at least 150 metres. [1] |
| Phone use while cyclingCycling on public roads | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Alcohol limit when cyclingCycling on public roads | The Regulation names bicycle riders: they may not ride with more than 0.5 g/l alcohol in blood or 0.25 mg/l in exhaled air. Cyclists must also take alcohol tests. [1] |
Notes
- The Traffic Act bans handheld phones for "drivers" in general (art. 18.2). Bicycles are not named in that article, so the rule for cyclists was not confirmed.
Sources
- Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado: Real Decreto 1428/2003, de 21 de noviembre, por el que se aprueba el Reglamento General de Circulación (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.