Motorcycles and Mopeds in Spain: Is Closed Footwear Compulsory?
Spain’s updated motorcycle and moped safety rules include a requirement concerning footwear for both riders and passengers. Does it depend on the type of road or the weather? Try the free question below, then listen to Luis Sánchez explain the closed-footwear rule and the special exception.
Official source: Real Decreto 518/2026, applicable from 1 October 2026. The closed-footwear rule is set out in Article 118.1 of the Spanish General Traffic Regulations.
Written and reviewed by Luis Sánchez, a qualified Spanish driving instructor teaching in English since 2015. Last reviewed: .
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(73331) As a general rule, what must motorcycle and moped riders and passengers keep in mind?
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Closed footwear must cover the whole foot. This requirement applies on urban and interurban roads, regardless of the weather.
Special exception: where the vehicle has a protective structure and seat belts, and these are recorded in its technical inspection card or moped characteristics certificate, riders and passengers must use the seat belt and are exempt from the helmet, gloves and closed-footwear requirements.
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Official reference: Spanish General Traffic Regulations, Article 118.
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