Changes to more than a hundred signs that you should know and that could cost you a fine

Since July 1, 2025, the date on which the new General Traffic Regulations (Royal Decree 465/2025) came into force, updating the official catalogue of traffic signs for the first time in decades, "drivers are legally obliged to respect all signs in the new catalogue, even if they have not yet been physically replaced."

Since the reform was published and came into force , "all drivers are required to know and comply with the new signs, and cannot claim simple ignorance of them," Andrea Gullo, a traffic fines expert at Pyramid Consulting, explains to this newspaper.

Likewise, " the same fines remain in place for violations resulting from failure to obey traffic signs. For example, failing to obey a 'yield' or stop sign is considered a serious offense, with a fine of 200 euros and the loss of 4 points," he added.

This reform seeks to adapt to new mobility models, but it may also generate uncertainty among private drivers, transportation professionals, and companies with road workers. For example, signs for personal mobility vehicles, such as electric scooters, are being incorporated; pictograms are being redesigned with an inclusive and accessible approach; obsolete signs are being removed, and visibility and comprehension are being improved.

The rollout will be gradual, meaning the signs will be gradually updated throughout the country. For now, they won't be required for driving theory tests, pending the manuals' updates. "The regulation is legally applicable from July 1, 2025, so any new or redesigned signs are fully enforceable on roads from that date. Furthermore, the new signs will be incorporated into driving theory tests (in driving schools) after a minimum period of three months, presumably in October 2025, to allow for manuals and training updates," Gullo points out.

"For professional drivers, fleets, and delivery personnel, the impact is that all new or modified signs are mandatory from July 1, regardless of when the signs are physically updated in each area. It is recommended that companies quickly update internal training, manuals, and GPS/routing (if they use visual alerts or sign notifications) to ensure their drivers are familiar with the new signage. Local authorities (town councils, provincial councils) will manage the progressive replacement of signs within their regular maintenance cycles during 2025–2026," he emphasizes.

"The level of impact is high in terms of regulatory compliance, especially in areas with dangerous goods, special vehicles, or personal mobility, as there are new specific signs (such as R‑118/R‑119 for VMP and R‑120 for environmental/ZBE badges) that require drivers to be aware of them," concludes the traffic sanctions expert from Pyramid Consulting.