Are you crossing correctly in Spain? Tightened rules and fines await walkers

From zebra crossings and traffic lights to fines, here are the pedestrian rules residents and holidaymakers should understand before stepping into the road safely.

Pedestrians in Spain have clear rights when crossing the road, but they also have strict responsibilities, and ignoring the rules can lead to fines of up to €200.

The rules are particularly relevant to expats and holidaymakers who may be unfamiliar with Spanish traffic regulations and street customs. The important distinction is that having priority does not mean pedestrians can step into the road when they like without checking whether it is safe. The DGT’s latest road-safety figures make a strong case for considering the changes.

• 222 pedestrians were killed in urban road accidents during 2025
• 45% of urban road deaths were pedestrians

Where should pedestrians cross?

Under Article 124 of Spain’s General Traffic Regulations, pedestrians must use a designated crossing where one is provided. They cannot simply cross a few metres away because it is more convenient.

Where there is no pedestrian crossing, people may cross elsewhere, but must first make sure they can do so without putting themselves or traffic at risk or unnecessarily obstructing vehicles.

At an ordinary zebra crossing without traffic lights, pedestrians have priority. However, they should only step onto it when the distance and speed of approaching vehicles allow them to cross safely.

Drivers must give way to pedestrians who have priority, but walkers should never assume that an approaching vehicle will stop or slow down. A recent accident in Torrox Costa left two women seriously injured at a traffic-light-controlled pedestrian crossing, underlining the importance of both drivers and pedestrians paying attention.

The Spanish traffic authority, the DGT, also has official advice for people travelling on foot, including how to cross safely where there are no traffic lights.

What do pedestrian traffic lights mean?

A red pedestrian signal means do not start crossing, as it does in most countries. Wait until the green walking figure appears and all traffic has stopped. When the green figure starts flashing, the time available to finish crossing is running out and the signal is about to turn red. Anyone already crossing should continue to the other side without stopping unnecessarily. Anyone still waiting should wait for the next green signal.

Pedestrians must also obey a police officer’s instructions and must not enter a crossing where a traffic signal or officer is allowing vehicles to proceed.

Can pedestrians cross a roundabout?

No, not across the roundabout’s carriageway. The rules require pedestrians to walk around the outside, unless a designated pedestrian crossing has been provided.

When crossing an ordinary road, pedestrians should walk directly across rather than taking a diagonal route. They should not stop or linger in the carriageway without good reason.

What fines can pedestrians face in Spain?

The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) lists a number of offences which can result in big fines, and local police will enforce them. These include crossing away from an existing pedestrian crossing and ignoring a red pedestrian traffic light.

The following table sets out the fines listed in the DGT’s published infringement guide. EWN has also previously explained the pedestrian habits that can lead to fines of up to €500.

The penalties show that pedestrians can face financial consequences for ignoring traffic rules, even when they are not behind the wheel.

What about the October road-law changes?

The October 1, 2026 changes updated several provisions concerning vulnerable road users, including pedestrians. However, the basic rules on using crossings, obeying pedestrian signals and crossing safely are not all new. Older pedestrians may also benefit from reading EWN’s road safety advice for older residents and visitors in Spain.

For anyone on foot, the message is straightforward: use a crossing where one is available, obey the signals and never assume that having priority makes it safe to step into traffic.