Reform of the Spanish General Traffic Regulation (RD 518/2026): Vulnerable Road Users and Driver Civil Liability

Spain's Royal Decree 518/2026 overhauls the General Traffic Regulation to strengthen protection of pedestrians, cyclists, personal mobility vehicles and motorcyclists. We analyse the new duties (reflective vest for motorcycles, priority at raised pedestrian crossings, overtaking rules) and their impact on the civil liability of drivers and on traffic accident compensation.

1. Introduction

[Royal Decree 518/2026 of 23 June](https://www.boe.es), published in the Spanish Official Gazette on 24 June and entering into force on 1 October 2026, reforms the [General Traffic Regulation (RD 1428/2003)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2003-23514) to strengthen protection of vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, users of personal mobility vehicles (PMV) and motorcyclists.

Beyond its administrative angle, the reform has a direct impact on civil liability of drivers and on compensation for road accidents under the [Scale (Baremo) of Law 35/2015](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2015-10197).

At [Bufete Padilla](https://bufetepadillatorrevieja.com/en/contact) we have been handling traffic accident claims for foreign residents and tourists on the Costa Blanca since 1976.

2. Concept of vulnerable road user

The new Regulation expressly defines as vulnerable road users:

  • Pedestrians (including users of skates or non-motorised devices).
  • Cyclists.
  • Motorcyclists and moped riders.
  • Users of PMV (electric scooters regulated by the [DGT 2020/V-16 Manual](https://www.dgt.es)).
  • Reduced-mobility persons and minors.

This definition transposes the European approach of Directive 2008/96/EC on road safety and consolidates Supreme Court case law already raising the standard of diligence required of motor vehicle drivers.

3. Main changes introduced by RD 518/2026

3.1 Compulsory reflective vest for motorcyclists

Riders of motorcycles and mopeds must carry and wear a high-visibility vest in the event of:

  • Breakdown or stop on the roadway.
  • Night driving on unlit interurban roads.
  • Low-visibility situations (fog, heavy rain).