DGT Announces Stricter Motorcycle Safety Rules and New Gear Requirements Effective October 1st
The DGT is implementing stricter motorcycle safety regulations starting October 1st, including mandatory protective gear requirements and new provisions for riding on road shoulders during traffic congestion.
Road safety rules for motorcyclists are getting stricter, with the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) issuing new reminders about mandatory gear. The agency warns that simply wearing a helmet isn’t enough; it must have an official homologation seal. If your helmet lacks this certification or is damaged, it does not meet safety standards and could leave you liable.
The penalties for non-compliance are clear: riding without a helmet, using it incorrectly, or wearing uncertified gear will result in a 200-euro fine and the loss of 4 points from your license. These rules apply to both the driver and the passenger. To ensure your helmet is legal, check for the homologation label inside.
These tighter controls come ahead of a major update to the General Traffic Regulations, effective October 1st. The new rules will make protective gloves mandatory on interurban roads and require closed-toe footwear for both riders and passengers on all road types.
On the other hand, the reform also introduces more flexibility. Motorcyclists will be permitted to use the right shoulder during traffic jams, provided there is specific signage allowing it. In these areas, riders must not exceed 30 km/h. With these changes, authorities aim to better protect motorcyclists—who are among the most vulnerable road users—while improving traffic flow in cities.