What does the new 'S-43' sign on Spanish roads mean, and what fines can drivers face for not complying with it?

Road safety depends not only on knowing how to drive a vehicle, but also on understanding and respecting each and every sign that appears on our path. Traffic regulations are designed to prevent accidents , organize traffic flow, and ensure that different modes of transportation, such as cars, bicycles, scooters, and pedestrians, can coexist harmoniously. Therefore, when a new sign comes into effect, it's important to know exactly what it means and how it may affect us .

Since July 1, 2025, Spanish roads have begun to incorporate a sign that until now was completely unknown to most drivers: the S-43 . It is a square sign with a blue background, featuring icons of a bicycle, an electric scooter, and a pedestrian . Its objective is clear: to regulate the shared use of certain urban roads among these three types of users, delimiting their spaces and promoting safer and more orderly mobility.

The new S-43 sign, approved by the Directorate General of Traffic ( DGT ), indicates a lane reserved for bicycles, personal mobility vehicles (such as electric scooters), and pedestrians , with separate spaces for each group . Its blue design identifies it as an information sign , and it is used in urban areas where these three modes of transport share the road, but with specific areas to prevent accidents.

In other words, this sign not only informs users of the existence of a mixed-use space, but also establishes an obligation to use it correctly : pedestrians on one side and cyclists and vehicle users on the other. These types of roads are becoming increasingly common in cities seeking to promote sustainable mobility without compromising pedestrian safety.

According to the DGT's official website, this sign is part of the new official sign catalog approved by the government on July 1. Although its installation will be gradual , all new signage projects must include it if the appropriate conditions are met.

Although traffic sign S-43 is new, the consequences of not obeying it are already regulated by the Traffic and Road Safety Law. According to the regulations, failure to obey a traffic sign constitutes a serious infraction that, while not resulting in the loss of points, is punishable by a fine of up to 200 euros .

The fine can be issued to motor vehicle drivers who invade a reserved space, as well as to cyclists or scooter users who use the pedestrian zone instead of their designated lane. The key is to follow the space distribution indicated by the sign to avoid dangerous situations.