A major update to Spain's traffic regulations has come into force, bringing new requirements for motorbike users, cyclists, electric scooters, professional delivery riders and other road users across Ibiza and the rest of Spain.

The changes took effect on 1 October 2026 under Royal Decree 518/2026, which updates the General Traffic Regulations with new measures focused on the protection of vulnerable road users.

For Ibiza, where motorcycles and scooters are widely used by both residents and visitors during the summer months, one of the most noticeable changes is the new requirement to wear closed footwear.

No More Flip-Flops on Motorbikes

Drivers and passengers of motorcycles and mopeds must now wear closed footwear that covers the entire foot on all types of roads.

That means flip-flops, open sandals and other footwear that does not cover the whole foot do not meet the new requirement.

The rule applies equally to residents and visitors, including tourists renting motorcycles or mopeds while travelling around the island.

Failure to comply with the closed-footwear requirement is classified as a serious traffic offence and carries a €200 fine.

The legislation does not require a specific type of motorcycle boot. The legal requirement is that the footwear is closed and covers the entire foot.

Motorcycle Gloves Are Required on Interurban Roads

Another important change concerns protective gloves.

Drivers and passengers of motorcycles and mopeds must wear protective gloves when travelling on interurban roads.

The rule does not apply in the same way to journeys confined to urban roads. The distinction is important for Ibiza, where a journey can move quickly between urban streets and interurban roads.

The regulation classifies failure to comply with the glove requirement as a serious offence, with a €200 fine.

The technical specifications for the new gloves are still to be established through a ministerial order. Until that order comes into force, the transitional provision allows protective gloves with the same characteristics as those currently used by motorcyclists.

Motorcycles Can Use the Hard Shoulder in Traffic Jams

The reform also introduces a new measure for congested traffic.

Motorcycles may use the right-hand hard shoulder when traffic is congested, provided the section is appropriately signposted and the motorcycle does not exceed 30 km/h.

The measure is intended to separate motorcycles from stationary or slow-moving traffic and applies under the conditions established by the new regulations.

The Helmet Change Is Later

One point that requires particular clarification is the new helmet requirement.

The new regulation introduces a requirement for homologated helmets for moped users, rather than helmets that are merely certified. However, this particular change does not take effect immediately.

Moped users have until 1 October 2027 to comply with the new homologation requirement.

This is different from the closed-footwear and interurban glove requirements, which took effect on 1 October 2026.

New Rules for Electric Scooters

The reform also changes the rules affecting vehicles of personal mobility, including electric scooters.

The minimum age for driving a personal mobility vehicle is now 15.

Users must wear a properly fastened protective helmet, while at night or when visibility is significantly reduced they must also use at least one compliant luminous or reflective element visible from a minimum distance of 150 metres.

The requirement for daytime lighting on personal mobility vehicles has been given a one-year transition period and will apply from 1 October 2027.

Delivery Riders Face Additional Requirements

Professional riders have additional obligations.

People carrying out professional activities using bicycles, personal mobility vehicles, mopeds or motorcycles must use a helmet and a high-visibility reflective vest at all times while carrying out their work.

The rules therefore affect food delivery and other professional mobility services operating in Ibiza as well as elsewhere in Spain.

Changes Affecting Cyclists

The reform also introduces new protections and obligations for cyclists.

On interurban roads, cyclists must use a helmet, with the previous exemptions removed. Professional cyclists must use a helmet during their working activity, including in urban areas.

When a motor vehicle overtakes a cyclist on an interurban road, the driver must reduce speed by at least 20 km/h below the applicable road limit, maintain a lateral separation of at least 1.5 metres and, on roads with more than one lane in the same direction, completely change lane.

In urban areas, cyclists are generally expected to ride towards the centre of the lane, while motor vehicles must maintain a minimum five-metre distance from cyclists travelling ahead in the same lane.

What Ibiza Motorists and Visitors Need to Know

For anyone travelling around Ibiza by motorcycle or moped, the most immediate practical changes are straightforward:

• Closed footwear covering the entire foot is compulsory on every type of road.

• Protective gloves are compulsory for motorcycle and moped drivers and passengers on interurban roads.

• Motorcycles may use the right-hand hard shoulder during congestion when the road section is signposted and the speed does not exceed 30 km/h.

• The stricter homologated-helmet requirement for mopeds begins on 1 October 2027.

• Professional motorcycle and moped riders must use a high-visibility vest during their activity.

• Electric scooter users must be at least 15 years old and comply with the new helmet and visibility requirements.

• Relevant serious offences can carry fines of €200.

For Ibiza's residents, seasonal workers and visitors who rely on two wheels to get around the island, the message is particularly relevant as the new rules remain in force beyond the summer season.