Politics · Turkey · 8 hrs ago
Spain changes traffic-light rules to protect pedestrians
Spain introduced a new rule for traffic lights on 1 October.
Under the previous practice, vehicles turning across a crossing could get a flashing yellow light while pedestrians had a green light.
The rule generally ends that overlap, so vehicles must stop while pedestrians cross.
Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic says the change aims to reduce confusion and the risk of collisions.
Barcelona has warned that reprogramming signals could increase waits for drivers and worsen congestion.
Municipalities can seek exceptions at specific junctions by submitting a technical report showing the case is justified for traffic flow and road safety.
The general rule remains in place, but the criteria for reviewing exception requests are not fully specified.
Spain introduced a traffic-light rule on 1 October that generally prevents vehicles from receiving a flashing yellow light while pedestrians have a green light.
The change is intended to reduce collision risks and improve safety for pedestrians.
Under the general rule, vehicles must wait at a red light while pedestrians cross.
Municipalities may seek exceptions for specific intersections by submitting a technical report.
Barcelona has warned that the change could increase congestion and has sought more time and technical guidance.
- Who
- Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic introduced the rule. It affects drivers and pedestrians.
- What
- The rule generally prevents a flashing yellow signal for vehicles from appearing while pedestrians have a green light.
- When
- It took effect on 1 October 2026.
- Where
- Spain, including intersections in Barcelona.
- Why
- To reduce risks where vehicles and pedestrians use the same crossing area and improve pedestrian safety.
Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic
Barcelona City Council
Traffic safety
Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic
The rule prioritises pedestrian safety and makes the two signals separate by default.
Barcelona City Council
The council warned that strict application could reduce road capacity and increase congestion.
Implementation
Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic
Municipalities can seek exceptions for specific intersections by providing a technical report.
Barcelona City Council
Barcelona has asked for more time and technical clarification to implement the changes.
Spain adopted changes to the Traffic Regulations through Royal Decree 518/2026.
The new traffic-light rule took effect.
- Effective date
- 1 October 2026
- Legal basis
- Royal Decree 518/2026, adopted 24 June 2026
- General rule
- Vehicles do not receive a flashing yellow light while pedestrians have a green light
- Exception process
- Municipalities can submit a technical report to seek an exception for specific intersections
- Barcelona
- The city warned of possible congestion and requested more time and technical guidance
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What people are saying
If pedestrians have a green light, cars must have a red light. When cars have a green light, pedestrians must have a red light.