All new road signs roll out in Spain next month
Everything you need to know about the upcoming road sign changes in Spain
Spain is about to overhaul its entire traffic sign system once again this July and if you drive, cycle, walk or ride a scooter, these changes will affect you.
The good news? The new signs are designed to be clearer, easier to understand and more relevant to how we move around today.
The not-so-good news? If you’ve finally got used to Spain’s current colourful yet confusing traffic signs, you’ll need to do a bit of unlearning. The updated signs will start appearing from July 1, following a recent approval from the Council of Ministers.
While it might feel like there’s something new for motorists to be concerned with every day, the reality is that the existing signage system hasn’t seen a major update since 2003.
In the past two decades, the way people travel has changed dramatically. Electric scooters, new types of bicycles and modern mobility trends are now part of everyday life, and the signs need to reflect that, according to the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT).
To address this, Spain has reworked its General Traffic Regulations, modernising everything from classic road signs to temporary signals and even traffic lights.
What’s changing?
- Some signs will be removed, especially those that are outdated or no longer needed.
- New signs will appear, highlighting new modes of transport and reflecting today’s mobility habits.
- Designs are being modernised, with more visible, intuitive symbols and updated illustrations, especially for railways and bicycles.
- A more inclusive look will eliminate gendered symbols in favour of neutral, universally recognisable figures.
The goal is simple: make Spain’s roads safer and more user-friendly for everyone. Whether you’re a driver, pedestrian, cyclist or e-scooter rider, the signs should be easy to spot, quick to understand and accessible to everyone.
To make this happen, Spain is creating an official catalogue of signs and markings that will unify how they look and what they mean. This catalogue considers both international standards and symbols already in use across the country.
Some other updates
- Road sign sizes are being revised to reduce environmental impact.
- Service station signs will include information on new fuel types.
- Parking signs will be more detailed and informative.
- Temporary and construction signage is also being clarified and updated.
Find all the latest motoring and travel news here or join our Driving in Spain Facebook group for regular updates
Image: DGT
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