2025 Key Changes for Motorists in Spain
As Spain continues to enhance road safety and reduce traffic accidents, several new driving regulations are set to be introduced in 2025. The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has proposed a range of updates affecting drivers, motorcyclists, and electric scooter users. While some of these measures are still awaiting final approval, they are expected to be implemented in the coming months.
Here’s a breakdown of the most important changes that motorists in Spain should be aware of.
- Stricter Drink-Driving Limits
One of the most significant proposed changes is the reduction of the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers. Under the new regulations:
- The current limit of 0.5 grams per litre of blood will be reduced to 0.2 grams.
- The breath alcohol limit will also drop from 0.25 mg per litre of air to 0.1 mg.
This means that consuming even a small amount of alcohol could result in a positive test, making it nearly impossible to legally drink and drive. While an exact date for this change has not been confirmed, it is expected to come into force during 2025 as part of Spain’s ongoing road safety strategy.
- New Safety Requirements for Motorcyclists
Motorcycle riders in Spain will need to comply with stricter safety measures, including:
- Mandatory use of full-face helmets for added protection.
- Obligatory protective gloves to reduce the risk of injury in accidents.
In addition, the rules for car licence holders riding motorcycles up to 125cc are set to change. Previously, drivers who had held a Category B (car) licence for at least three years could legally ride these motorcycles without additional training. However, under the new law:
- These riders will be required to complete a mandatory training course before being allowed to continue riding motorcycles up to 125cc.
- The DGT is also considering allowing motorcycles to use the right shoulder of the road in traffic jams to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
- Tougher Regulations for Electric Scooter Users
Electric scooters and Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) have seen a surge in popularity across Spain, leading to stricter national regulations. The new rules for 2025 include:
- Mandatory helmet use for all electric scooter riders.
- A nationwide ban on riding scooters on pavements to improve pedestrian safety.
These changes aim to bring more consistency to regulations that previously varied between different regions and municipalities.
- Ban on WhatsApp Groups for Reporting Traffic Controls
A controversial new measure proposed by Spanish authorities is the ban on so-called “anti-control” WhatsApp groups. These groups allow drivers to share real-time information on police checkpoints and speed traps, potentially undermining road safety efforts.
To counteract this issue, police forces have already been conducting “express controls”—shorter, mobile checkpoints that move locations frequently to make it harder for drivers to avoid them.
However, the DGT now intends to outlaw these WhatsApp groups entirely, making it illegal to share checkpoint locations through social media or messaging apps.
What These Changes Mean for Drivers in Spain
The 2025 driving law updates reflect Spain’s ongoing commitment to road safety. While some of these measures still require final legislative approval, drivers should be prepared for:
- Stricter alcohol limits
- Increased safety requirements for motorcyclists
- More regulated use of electric scooters
- New restrictions on sharing traffic control information
As always, staying informed and adapting to the latest traffic laws is essential for ensuring a safe and legal driving experience in Spain.