The new rules for overtaking cyclists if you drive in Spain
New traffic rules mean that overtaking a cyclist too closely on Spanish roads could see you fined hundreds of euros and even cost you points off your licence.
Since 1st October 2026, the way in which drivers can overtake cyclists changed, and ignoring the new rules will result in fines.
The reform, approved in June and confirmed by Royal Decree 518/2026 amends Spain’s Traffic Regulations and aims to protect cyclists, among a raft of new road measures.
The reforms are aimed at improving driving and mobility on Spanish roads in two ways: firstly, to boost safety on the roads; and, secondly, to make mobility in urban centres more sustainable and inclusive.
These are part of wider traffic and road reforms for bikes, motorbikes and scooters, which you can read about here or via the link below.
READ ALSO: Spain’s new rules for bike, motorbike and e-scooter riders
What’s the change for drivers overtaking cyclists?
The legislation looks specifically at protecting cyclists, namely how drivers overtake them on the roads.
From October 1st onwards, drivers on secondary/rural roads (interurbanas) must reduce their speed to at least 20 km/h below the speed limit for that stretch of road, both before and whilst overtaking.
This means that on a standard road with a speed limit of 90 km/h, no overtaking manoeuvre may be completed at a speed exceeding 70 km/h.
The new legislation also confirms pre-existing rules, such as that overtaking a cyclist requires drivers to maintain a lateral distance of 1.5 metres.
On secondary roads with more than one lane in the same direction, drivers can’t simply straddle the dividing line or drift slightly. They must execute a complete lane change into the adjacent lane when passing a cyclist.
Drivers are legally allowed to cross a solid white line to overtake a cyclist, provided there is sufficient visibility and the manoeuvre can be completed without endangering oncoming traffic.
The new regulations also tighten the rules on overtaking broken-down or stationary vehicles on any road, requiring drivers to maintain a safe lateral distance whilst passing them, and introduce specific requirements for overtaking in snowy conditions.
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What about in the city?
Driving on urban roads in towns and cities is slightly different.
In urban areas, where cars and bicycles often share the same lane, drivers will be required to maintain a minimum safety distance of 5 metres behind the cyclist riding in front of them, unlike before, when there was no fixed minimum.
How much are the fines?
Looking at the Official State Gazette (BOE) which you can read here, failing to comply with the new overtaking rules is considered a serious offence – whether it be by failing to reduce speed, to maintain a 1.5-metre margin, or change lanes when required.
Spain’s traffic authority, the DGT, states that fines for not following the rules are of €200 and the loss of 6 points on your driving license.
Police and traffic monitors will reportedly be operating checks at known accident hotspots.
