SPAIN has introduced new traffic light rules, meaning drivers will no longer be able to turn on a flashing amber light while pedestrians have a green light to cross.
The new rules came into force on October 1 as part of a wider reform of Spain’s traffic regulations, aimed at improving road safety for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
Until now, drivers could turn at certain crossings when the traffic light was flashing amber, even when pedestrians had a green light.
The system often caused confusion, as both drivers and pedestrians could believe they had priority.
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Under the new rules, the two signals can no longer appear at the same time. The flashing amber light must now be preceded by a solid red light, giving pedestrians a clearer signal when crossing the road.
The changes are part of a wider reform by Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT), which also introduces new rules for cyclists, motorcyclists and electric scooter users.
However, the changes have raised concerns in Barcelona.
The city has around 1,550 intersections where the two signals currently operate simultaneously.
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The council has warned that changing the traffic lights could increase congestion and has asked the DGT for more time to implement the new rules.
The reform also introduces a minimum age of 15 for electric scooter users, makes helmets compulsory and requires cyclists to wear helmets on roads outside urban areas.
According to the DGT, the changes are intended to adapt traffic regulations to the growing number of people using different forms of transport and make Spanish roads safer for everyone.
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