In Spain, the only safe limit for alcohol and drugs when driving is zero. Legal limits are already lower than in many countries, and for young drivers under 18 the limit is zero. Professional drivers, such as those operating school buses, face even stricter rules, and forthcoming legislation may lower the threshold further for everyone
School zones are high-risk areas. Speed limits are often reduced to 20–30 km/h, and Local Police frequently manage traffic at start and end times — their instructions take precedence over all signs.
Each day, hundreds of thousands of pupils in Spain use school buses. While statistically safe, risks remain. Children must always wear seatbelts if fitted, and remain seated. Never cross behind a bus, and wait for the driver’s signal before crossing in front at least three metres away. Campaigns later this year will monitor seatbelt use and driver safety to ensure journeys remain safe.
In July, the new regulations for obtaining the class “A” motorcycle licence in Span been in force, with important new features.
Speed contributed to one in four Spanish road fatalities in 2024. To combat this, over 30 new radars have been activated, and Intelligent Speed Assistance systems are now mandatory for new vehicles.
The General Courts have approved the new Motor Vehicle Insurance Act. This legislation broadens the scope of compulsory insurance to include agricultural and industrial vehicles, as well as personal mobility vehicles like electric scooters. The Act also introduces significant improvements to the compensation system for victims of road accidents, increases the powers of the Insurance Compensation Consortium, and strengthens supervision of insurance companies.