Road Safety Law: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Spain’s road safety law is the backbone of the regulations governing traffic and motor vehicle circulation, as well as the behavior of road users. This legislation not only sets out rights and responsibilities but also aims to protect the lives of drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists by minimizing risks and accidents.

Over the years, the law has undergone several reforms to adapt to technological, social, and mobility changes. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the road safety law in 2025—its updates, penalties, mandatory equipment, and how to stay compliant with current regulations.

Whether you’re a frequent driver, an electric scooter user, or a city cyclist, this content is for you.

Road Safety Law: What It Regulates and Why It Matters

The road safety law outlines a set of rules and legal provisions aimed at ensuring safe, smooth, and respectful traffic across all roads in the country. It directly impacts car, motorcycle, moped, bicycle, and electric scooter drivers, as well as pedestrians and public authorities in charge of infrastructure maintenance.

Key areas regulated by this law include:

• Mandatory use of seat belts and motorcycle helmets
• Speed limits based on road type
• Ban on mobile phone use while driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Mandatory documents every driver must carry:

Emergency signaling devices, such as the V16 certified LED GPS beacon, which will fully replace reflective triangles from 2026 onward.

Additionally, the law establishes penalties for violations, the driver’s license points system, and the DGT’s authority to regulate traffic.

Road Safety Laws: Historical Evolution and Legal Framework

Road safety laws in Spain have undergone major changes since the first General Traffic Regulation was approved in 1934. That document contained only basic rules for drivers and pedestrians in a country with very few motor vehicles.

As the number of cars on the road grew and traffic accidents became a serious concern, more ambitious legislation became necessary. In the 1990s, with the introduction of the driving license points system and the growing role of the DGT, the law took a significant leap forward.

Today, the current legal framework is headed by the Consolidated Text of the Law on Traffic, Motor Vehicle Circulation, and Road Safety, approved by Royal Legislative Decree 6/2015. This regulation systematically outlines the main obligations for users and the powers of the authorities.

It is further supported by specific regulations such as:

• The General Traffic Regulation
• The General Driver Regulation
• Technical standards on vehicles, signage, and urban mobility
• European road safety and automotive technology regulations

This legal framework is dynamic: it is frequently updated to include new equipment, regulate emerging technologies (such as autonomous vehicles), and strengthen the protection of specific groups.

Updated Road Safety Law: Key Changes in 2025

The updated road safety law in 2025 introduces significant changes every road user should be aware of. Some of these measures are already in effect, while others will be phased in—but all share the same goal: reducing accidents and improving mobility.

Stricter penalties for mobile phone use

Driver distraction remains one of the leading causes of accidents. Starting in 2025, the law imposes tougher penalties for using a mobile phone while driving—even if you’re just holding or checking it.

• €200 fine
• 6 penalty points deducted from your license

It doesn’t matter if the vehicle is stopped at a red light—it’s still considered driving.

New speed limits in urban areas

The speed limit is now set at 30 km/h on streets with a single lane in each direction, and 20 km/h on shared-space roads where vehicles and pedestrians coexist.

This change aims to protect cyclists, pedestrians, and scooter users—especially near schools and residential areas.

Mandatory use of GPS-connected V16 emergency beacons

One of the most important updates concerns mandatory equipment in case of breakdowns. From July 1, 2026, it will be mandatory to carry a certified V16 beacon with GPS, replacing traditional emergency triangles.

This device:

• Can be placed on the car roof without stepping outside
• Emits a flashing light visible up to 1 kilometer away
• Sends the vehicle’s location to the DGT’s cloud system, improving roadside assistance and safety

The use of this beacon has been allowed since 2021, and it’s strongly recommended to get one now to stay prepared and safe. You can find the certified V16 LED GPS beacon in our online store.

Definitive regulation of personal mobility vehicles (PMVs)

Electric scooters and similar vehicles are now fully regulated:

• Riding on sidewalks is prohibited
• Helmet use is mandatory
• A circulation certificate issued by the DGT is required
• Must have reflectors, front and rear lights

The aim is to protect both PMV users and pedestrians, and to prevent accidents in urban areas.

Traffic Safety Laws: Types of Offenses and Penalties

Traffic safety laws classify offenses as minor, serious, or very serious, assigning each a financial penalty and, when applicable, a deduction of license points. This system is designed to discourage dangerous behavior and promote responsible driving.

Some common examples:

• Minor: improper parking or missing documents → up to €100
• Serious: moderate speeding, ignoring traffic signs → €200 and loss of 2–4 points
• Very serious: driving under the influence, reckless driving → €500–600 and loss of 6 points

The points system starts each driver with 12 points (8 for new drivers). As violations occur, points are deducted. Reaching 0 points results in a suspended license.

Traffic and Road Safety Law 2025: Technological Innovations

The 2025 traffic and road safety law embraces technology as a key ally in improving safety. Among the most notable updates:

• Deployment of connected vehicles that exchange real-time data with infrastructure
• Mandatory ADAS systems in new cars (such as automatic emergency braking and driver fatigue detection)
• Required use of connected warning devices, like the certified V16 LED GPS beacon, which sends a geolocation signal in case of an emergency, allowing the DGT to respond quickly

These measures aim to reduce response times in the event of an accident and improve prevention strategies.

Road Safety Regulations: How to Stay Compliant

Road safety regulations must be understood and followed by all drivers. To stay compliant, it’s recommended to:

• Keep your vehicle in good condition (MOT, lights, tires, brakes)
• Stay informed about annual legal updates
• Avoid distractions while driving, such as using a mobile phone or eating
• Carry all mandatory items, like a reflective vest and connected V16 emergency beacon
• Obey traffic signs and speed limits

Following these best practices not only helps you avoid penalties—it also contributes to safer roads for everyone.

Road Safety Law as a Civic Responsibility

The road safety law is a living regulation that evolves alongside society and technology. Staying up to date with its changes and applying them in our daily driving is a shared responsibility for all road users.

Remember, items like the certified V16 LED GPS beacon are now mandatory and can make a real difference in emergency situations.

Explore our certified V16 LED GPS beacon in our online store and start complying with the new regulations today.