In this guide you’ll learn everything you need to know about the safe transport of people and goods, as well as the mandatory vehicle signaling under Spanish road regulations. 📚⚖️
👨👩👧 Passenger Transport
1.1 In vehicles
- 🔢 The number of passengers must not exceed the authorized seats.
- ⚖️ Do not exceed the Maximum Authorized Mass (MMA), taking into account the weight of people and their luggage.
1.2 On mopeds 🛵
- ✅ Only if permitted by the vehicle’s registration certificate.
- 👶 The passenger must be over 12 years old (over 7 if the rider is their guardian or authorized).
- 🪑 Must use the rear seat, straddling, with feet on the footrests.
- 🪖 A helmet homologated to UNECE R22 is mandatory for both rider and passenger on all roads (since 1 October 2026, RD 518/2026); moped riders may keep using a certified-only helmet until 1 October 2027. Closed footwear covering the whole foot is also compulsory, and protective gloves on interurban roads.
1.3 On bicycles and cycles 🚲
- 🪖 Helmet is mandatory for under-16s, and for everyone on interurban roads.
1.4 In light quadricycles
🛑 The use of a seat belt or appropriate restraint system is mandatory.
🧒 Child Restraint Systems
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Under 135 cm tall | 🎯 Use of approved CRS in the rear seats is mandatory |
| Exceptions | 🚫 No rear seats, already occupied, or installation of the CRS is impossible |
📦 Transport of Goods
3.1 Proper placement
- 🔒 It must be well secured and must not compromise vehicle stability.
- 🚫 It may not obscure lights or plates, nor drag on the ground.
- 🛑 It must be covered to avoid noise, dust, or nuisance.
3.2 Overhanging from a moped
- ➡️ Up to 0.25 m at the rear and 0.50 m on both sides if it is less than 1 m wide.
- ⛔ It may never project forward.
3.3 Projecting load in general
- 📏 Max. 10% (divisible) or 15% (indivisible) at the rear.
- 🚫 It may not project to the front or sides (except on mopeds).
3.4 Load signaling
- ☀️ Daytime: V-20 panel.
- 🌙 Night or low visibility: V-20 panel + red light.
🛠️ Special Cases
- 🛺 Mopeds, motorcycles and three-wheelers may tow a trailer under certain conditions: mass ≤ 50% of the towing vehicle's unladen mass, daytime only with good visibility, speed reduced by 10%, and never carrying people in the trailer.
- 🚲 Bicycles and other cycles (art. 154 RGC, since 1 October 2026, RD 518/2026): an adult rider may carry passengers and cargo; trailers may carry people, animals up to 15 kg or cargo; on interurban roads only by day and with good visibility.
🚪 Use of Doors
- 🚷 Only enter and exit on the side nearest the edge of the road.
- ❌ Do not open doors unless the vehicle is completely stopped and it is safe to do so.
🚨 Vehicle-Mounted Signs
| Sign | Description |
|---|---|
| V-1 | Priority vehicle 🚓 |
| V-2 | Vehicle-obstacle, slow or stopped 🚧 |
| V-3 | Police vehicle without emergency 👮♂️ |
| V-4 | Maximum speed limit 🛑 |
| V-6 | Long vehicle 🚛 |
| V-11 | Dangerous goods ☠️ |
| V-13 | New driver 🆕 |
| V-15 | Disabled person ♿ |
| V-16 | Pre-warning of danger ⚠️ |
| V-19 | Roadworthiness inspection (ITV) passed 📅 |
| V-20 | Projecting load 📦 |
| V-21 | Escort for special vehicle |
| V-22 | Escort for cyclists 🚴 |
| V-23 | Goods transport 🛻 |
| V-24 | Roadside assistance tow truck 🆘 |
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