RD 518/2026 REFORM · NEW RULES FROM OCTOBER 1
RD 518/2026: the traffic reform that starts on October 1
Real Decreto 518/2026, of June 24, takes effect on October 1 2026. These are the new rules you need to know — and that are already on the DGT theory exam.
What changes on October 1
Three groups of rules directly affect what to study for the DGT test: personal mobility vehicles, cyclists and motorcyclists, and the connected V-16 emergency beacon.
El Real Decreto 518/2026, de 24 de junio, entra en vigor el October 1, 2026. Estas son las normas nuevas que tienes que conocer — y que ya salen en el examen teórico DGT.
Personal mobility vehicles (VMP / e-scooters)
- ●Minimum age 15 to circulate.
- ●Homologated helmet mandatory at all times, properly adjusted and fastened.
- ●Reflective or luminous elements visible at 150 m between sunset and sunrise, or in low visibility.
- ●Delivery riders: reflective vest for the entire working shift.
- ●Banned from motorways, expressways, crossings and interurban roads.
These new rules are on the exam. Practice the VMP questions until you chain 3 exams with no mistakes.
Cyclists: overtaking and protection
- ●Homologated helmet mandatory on all interurban roads (all previous exemptions for heat or steep inclines removed).
- ●Vehicles overtaking cyclists on interurban roads must slow to at least 20 km/h below the speed limit of that road.
- ●Minimum lateral clearance of 1.5 m when overtaking a cyclist on an interurban road.
The 20 km/h below and 1.5 m rule is one of the most common reform questions.
Motorcycles and mopeds
- ●Homologated protective gloves mandatory on all interurban roads for both rider and passenger (fine up to 200 €).
- ●Closed footwear covering the entire foot mandatory on all roads.
Gloves and closed footwear enter the exam as personal equipment rules.
Connected V-16 beacon (DGT 3.0)
Desde el 1 de octubre de 2026 la señal luminosa V-16 conectada sustituye a los triángulos reflectantes. Tiene geolocalización y eSIM integrada que notifica a la plataforma DGT 3.0 al activarse. emergency signalling, DGT
What this means for your DGT exam
Prepare with the current regulation
The DGT question bank already incorporates the regulation in force since October 1. If you study with a bank that does not include VMP, cyclist overtaking, motorcyclist equipment or the connected V-16, you are preparing for an exam that no longer exists.
Practice the new questions
The new topics are high-yield: VMP minimum age and equipment, cyclist overtaking clearance and speed, motorcycle gloves and closed footwear, and the connected V-16 placement and activation. Chain mocks until you stop failing these.
Deadlines you should know
The triangles coexist with the connected V-16 until December 31 2026 and stop being valid on January 1 2027. That date appears in exam questions.
Frequently asked questions
When does RD 518/2026 take effect?
The reform enters into force on October 1, 2026. From that date the new rules apply to the DGT theory exam.
What is the connected V-16 beacon and why does it replace triangles?
The connected V-16 beacon is a homologated luminous beacon with geolocation and an integrated eSIM that alerts the DGT 3.0 platform when activated. It replaces triangles because it lets responders locate the incident; triangles remain valid until December 31, 2026 and from January 1, 2027 only the homologated connected V-16 is valid.
From what age can I ride an e-scooter (VMP)?
From October 1 2026 the minimum age to circulate on a VMP (e-scooter) is 15, with a properly adjusted and fastened homologated helmet, and reflective or luminous elements visible at 150 m between sunset and sunrise or in low visibility.
How much distance must I leave when overtaking a cyclist?
On an interurban road you must slow to at least 20 km/h below the road limit and keep a minimum lateral clearance of 1.5 m when overtaking a cyclist.
Are gloves and closed footwear mandatory on a motorcycle?
Yes. From October 1 2026 homologated protective gloves are mandatory on interurban roads for rider and passenger (fine up to 200 €) and closed footwear covering the entire foot is mandatory on all roads.
Does the DGT exam already include the new RD 518/2026 rules?
Yes. The DGT question bank already incorporates the regulation in force since October 1, so VMP, cyclist overtaking, motorcyclist equipment and connected V-16 questions already appear on the test.