SPAIN has confirmed major changes to its traffic light sequences this autumn to end the confusion that leads to accidents at pedestrian crossings.
A new royal decree entering into force on October 1 will ban flashing amber lights for vehicles from coinciding with a green light for walkers at the exact same crossing.
The change aims to stop the dangerous overlap where a driver believes they can proceed with caution while a pedestrian simultaneously thinks it is completely safe to cross.
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To enforce this safely, any flashing amber phase for drivers must now be preceded by a solid red light.
Town halls across the country will be forced to modify the programming of their urban traffic lights to comply with the new sequence.
The update forms part of a broader reform by the Direccion General de Trafico (DGT) to protect vulnerable road users.
The official state bulletin has also shut down widespread social media rumours that claimed the DGT was planning to eliminate flashing amber lights entirely.
It confirms the amber light will remain in use, and clarifies that jumping a red light will simply continue to carry the existing penalty of €200 and the loss of four licence points, rather than a new specific fine.
The broader package of traffic laws includes strict new restrictions for electric scooters, cyclists and motorcyclists.
Electric scooter riders will face a minimum age limit of 15 and must legally wear helmets.
Motorcyclists will be forced to wear protective gloves and closed footwear when riding on interurban roads.
Meanwhile, drivers overtaking cyclists must leave a gap of 1.5 metres and drop their speed to 20kph below the posted limit.
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