Current Traffic Regulations for Bicycles

ROYAL DECREE 14/28 OF 2003 (NOVEMBER 21)

Article 12. Regulations for Cycles, Mopeds, and Motorcycles.

Cycles that, by design, cannot accommodate more than one person may transport a minor up to seven years old in an additional seat that must be approved.

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Exceptionally, individuals over seven years old may ride on motorcycles or mopeds driven by their parent, guardian, or authorized adults, provided they wear an approved helmet and comply with the previous section’s provisions (Article 11.4 of the consolidated text).

Motorcycles, three-wheeled vehicles, mopeds, and cycles may tow a trailer or semi-trailer, provided it does not exceed 50% of the towing vehicle’s unladen weight and the following conditions are met:

The towing must occur during the day and under conditions that do not reduce visibility.
The towing speed must be reduced by 10% compared to the generic speeds set for these vehicles in Article 48.
No passengers may be transported in the towed vehicle.

In urban areas, local ordinances will apply.

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Article 20. Blood Alcohol and Breath Alcohol Levels.

Current Traffic Regulations establish the conditions for using trailers and semi-trailers, ensuring road safety.

Drivers of vehicles and bicycles must not exceed a blood alcohol level of 0.5 grams per liter or a breath alcohol level of 0.25 milligrams per liter.

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It is important to comply with the current Traffic Regulations regarding blood alcohol and breath alcohol levels.

Article 21. Alcohol Testing. Persons Required.

All vehicle and bicycle drivers must submit to tests for detecting possible alcohol intoxication. Other road users involved in an accident must also comply (Article 12.2, first paragraph, of the consolidated text).

Alcohol testing is one of the current Traffic Regulations that all drivers must follow.

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Drivers must be aware of the current Traffic Regulations related to narcotics and psychotropic substances.

Article 27. Narcotics, Psychotropic Substances, Stimulants, or Similar Substances.

Drivers of vehicles or bicycles must not operate under the influence of narcotics, psychotropic substances, stimulants, or similar substances that alter their physical or mental state, making it unsafe to drive.

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Article 36. Mandatory Use for Drivers.

Drivers of animal-drawn vehicles, special vehicles with a maximum authorized mass not exceeding 3,500 kilograms, cycles, mopeds, vehicles for persons with reduced mobility, or vehicles accompanying cyclists must use the right shoulder if there is no designated lane. If the shoulder is not sufficient, they must use the necessary part of the roadway. The same applies to vehicles with a maximum authorized mass not exceeding 3,500 kilograms that, due to emergency reasons, travel at abnormally reduced speeds, significantly disrupting traffic.

In prolonged descents with curves, cyclists may leave the shoulder and use the right side of the roadway when safety conditions allow.

Current Traffic Regulations also govern circulation in prolonged descents.

Groups of cyclists are prohibited from riding parallel, except for bicycles, which may ride two abreast, staying as close as possible to the right edge of the road and forming a single line in low-visibility sections or when in traffic congestion. On highways, cyclists must use the shoulder without invading the roadway.

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Article 38. Circulation on Motorways and Dual Carriageways.

On motorways and dual carriageways, current Traffic Regulations prohibit the circulation of certain vehicles.

It is prohibited to ride animal-drawn vehicles, bicycles, mopeds, and vehicles for persons with reduced mobility on motorways and dual carriageways (Article 18.1 of the consolidated text).

However, cyclists over 14 years old may ride on the shoulders of dual carriageways unless prohibited by signage for safety reasons. Such prohibitions will be accompanied by a panel indicating an alternative route.

It is crucial for cyclists to comply with the current Traffic Regulations on shoulders and interurban roads.

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Article 48. Maximum Speeds on Roads Outside Urban Areas.

Maximum speeds on roads outside urban areas are part of the current Traffic Regulations that must be considered.

Violations of these regulations will be considered serious or very serious offenses, depending on the excess speed, as outlined in Articles 65.4.a) and 65.5.c) of the consolidated text of the Traffic, Motor Vehicle Circulation, and Road Safety Law.

The maximum speeds that must not be exceeded, except in the cases provided for in Article 51, are as follows:

For motor vehicles:

On motorways and dual carriageways: cars and motorcycles, 120 km/h; buses, passenger car derivatives, and adapted mixed vehicles, 100 km/h; trucks, articulated vehicles, road tractors, vans, and cars with trailers up to 750 kilograms, 90 km/h; other cars with trailers, 80 km/h.
On conventional roads designated as motor vehicle roads and other conventional roads with a paved shoulder of at least 1.50 meters wide or more than one lane for each direction: cars and motorcycles, 100 km/h; buses, passenger car derivatives, and adapted mixed vehicles, 90 km/h; trucks, articulated vehicles, road tractors, vans, and cars with trailers, 80 km/h.
On other roads outside urban areas: cars and motorcycles, 90 km/h; buses, passenger car derivatives, and adapted mixed vehicles, 80 km/h; trucks, articulated vehicles, road tractors, vans, and cars with trailers, 70 km/h.

For vehicles transporting schoolchildren or dangerous goods, current Traffic Regulations set specific speed limits.

Current Traffic Regulations also affect vehicles transporting dangerous goods.

On any road where permitted: three-wheeled vehicles and quadricycles, 70 km/h.

For vehicles performing school transport or transporting dangerous goods, the maximum speed is reduced by 10 km/h from the limit set in paragraph a) depending on the vehicle type and road.

If a bus carries standing passengers, the maximum speed on any road outside urban areas is 80 km/h.

For special vehicles and vehicle combinations, also special:

If lacking braking signals, towing a trailer, or are motor cultivators: 25 km/h.

The regulation of distances between vehicles is part of the current Traffic Regulations that must be followed.

Other special vehicles: 40 km/h, unless they can exceed 60 km/h on flat terrain according to their characteristics and meet the conditions set out in the vehicle regulations; in such cases, the maximum speed is 70 km/h.

For vehicles under special transport regulations, the speed indicated in Annex III of this regulation applies.

For cycles, two and three-wheeled mopeds, and light quadricycles: 45 km/h. However, cyclists may exceed this speed limit on sections where road conditions allow for a higher speed.

Vehicles with drivers walking must not exceed the speed of a human pace, and animals drawing a vehicle must not exceed a trot.

Vehicles granted a special permit for testing or experimentation may exceed the maximum speeds by 30 km/h, but only within the specified route and not on urban roads, crossings, or sections with specific speed limit signs.

Article 54. Distances Between Vehicles.

In the absence of signage, current Traffic Regulations establish a clear order of preference.

Every vehicle driver must leave sufficient space to stop safely in case of sudden braking, considering speed and road conditions.

However, cyclists may ride in groups without maintaining such separation, paying extra attention to avoid collisions (Article 20.2 of the consolidated text).

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Cyclists should also be aware of the current Traffic Regulations regarding right-of-way.

Article 62. Order of Preference in the Absence of Signage.

Without prejudice to the orders given by the authority or indicated by the personnel in charge of works or special transport vehicles, the order of preference among different types of vehicles when one must yield is as follows:

Special vehicles and those under special transport regulations exceeding the regulated mass or dimensions.
Vehicle combinations, except those mentioned in paragraph d).
Animal-drawn vehicles.
Cars towing trailers up to 750 kilograms of maximum authorized mass and motorhomes.
Vehicles for collective passenger transport.
Trucks, road tractors, and vans.
Cars and passenger car derivatives.
Special vehicles not exceeding the regulated mass or dimensions, quadricycles, and light quadricycles.
Three-wheeled vehicles, motorcycles with sidecars, and three-wheeled mopeds.
Motorcycles, two-wheeled mopeds, and bicycles.

When vehicles are of the same type or not listed, preference will be given to the vehicle that has to reverse the longest distance, and in case of a tie, to the vehicle with the greater width, length, or maximum authorized mass.

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Article 64. General Rules and Priority of Passage for Cyclists.

As a general rule, and whenever their paths intersect, drivers have the right of way for their vehicles on the roadway and shoulder, except in the cases listed in Articles 65 and 66, where they must yield to pedestrians and animals, even coming to a stop if necessary.

Cyclists have the right of way over motor vehicles:

When riding on a designated cycle lane, cycle path, or properly signposted shoulder.
When a motor vehicle turns right or left into another road, as permitted, and there is a cyclist nearby.
When riding in a group, and the lead cyclist has already started crossing or entered a roundabout.

Current Traffic Regulations are essential for the safety of vehicle and cyclist circulation.

In other cases, the general rules on right-of-way between vehicles apply.

Article 88. Immovilized Vehicles.

When a vehicle is immobilized on a road section where overtaking is prohibited, and it occupies all or part of the lane, it may be overtaken, even if it requires using the opposite lane, provided it is safe to do so. Under the same conditions, drivers may overtake cyclists, cycles, mopeds, pedestrians, animals, and animal-drawn vehicles if their speed allows for safe overtaking without risk to themselves or general traffic.

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Article 94. Prohibited Places.

It is prohibited to stop:

On curves and changes in gradient with reduced visibility, their vicinity, and in tunnels, underpasses, and road sections affected by the “Tunnel” sign.
At level crossings, cycle crossings, and pedestrian crossings.
On lanes or parts of roads reserved exclusively for the circulation or service of specific users.
At intersections and their vicinity if it obstructs other vehicles from turning, or on interurban roads if it creates a hazard due to poor visibility.
On or near tram tracks if it obstructs their circulation.
In places where signage visibility is impaired for users or forces them to maneuver.
On motorways and dual carriageways, except in designated areas.
On lanes reserved for public urban transport or those reserved for bicycles.
In areas designated for exclusive parking and stopping for public urban transport.
In areas signposted for the exclusive use of disabled individuals and pedestrian crossings (Article 39.1 of the consolidated text).

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It is very important for drivers to know the current Traffic Regulations regarding prohibited stopping places.

Article 98. General Rules.

All vehicles circulating between dusk and dawn or at any time in tunnels, underpasses, and road sections affected by the “Tunnel” sign (S-5) must have their lights on as required by this section.

The regulation of lighting systems that are not prohibited, or anything not expressly provided in this chapter or other provisions of this regulation, will comply with the vehicle regulations.

Additionally, bicycles must be equipped with reflective elements, as specified in the General Vehicle Regulations.

When lighting is mandatory, cyclists must also wear reflective clothing that allows other road users to distinguish them from a distance of 150 meters on interurban roads.

Article 114. Doors.

It is prohibited to leave vehicle doors open, open them before the vehicle is fully stopped, or open them or exit the vehicle without ensuring it does not pose a risk or obstruction to other road users, especially cyclists (Article 45 of the consolidated text).

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Article 118. Helmets and Other Protective Elements.

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Cyclists and their passengers must wear approved helmets when riding on interurban roads, except on prolonged uphill slopes, for medical reasons as established in Article 119.3, or under extreme heat conditions.

Competitive cyclists and professional cyclists, during training or competition, are governed by their specific regulations.

Additional Notes:

Minimum age for electric bicycle riders: The current regulations set a minimum age of 14 years for electric bicycle riders, provided the motor does not exceed 250W of power and the maximum assisted speed is 25 km/h 2.

Insurance and documentation: Although not mandatory, it is recommended to have liability insurance for electric bicycles. Additionally, riders must always carry documentation proving the bicycle’s approval 2.

Helmet use: Helmet use is mandatory on interurban roads for cyclists, except on prolonged uphill slopes, for medical reasons, or under extreme heat conditions 2.

Cycle lanes and sidewalks: Bicycles must use cycle lanes and are not permitted on sidewalks and pedestrian areas, except for specific regulated exceptions 2.

Lighting and reflectors: Bicycles must be equipped with front and rear lights, and riders must wear reflective clothing when riding on interurban roads 2.

Disclaimer:

This text is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Although efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, it is not guaranteed to be complete or up-to-date. For official and detailed information, please consult the current legislation and official sources.

Ensure compliance with the current Traffic Regulations regarding the use of helmets and other protective elements.

Remember that the current Traffic Regulations also require the use of reflective clothing on interurban roads.

Current Traffic Regulations are important for the safety of all road users.

It is essential to follow the current Traffic Regulations to ensure good coexistence in traffic.

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