2 changes from the DGT that shake up motorcyclists: goodbye to mandatory flip-flops and gloves starting October 1

Yes: the DGT requires gloves and closed footwear for motorcycle and moped users, with fines of €200 starting October 1. This measure is part of the new General Traffic Regulation published following the decree of June 24.

The rule affects riders and passengers and aims to put people at the center of traffic policy, according to the DGT. In practice, what is now common on the highway will become mandatory in the city as well.

What changes with the DGT Regulation?

Why does the DGT require Gloves and Closed Footwear?

To reduce injuries among vulnerable users and focus the regulation on people (pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists), says the DGT, which argues a shift in approach over the past two decades.

Important for the reader: this means that measures that were previously recommendations become enforceable obligations, including closed footwear on any road.

Technical details and scope of the measure

Mandatory gloves on interurban roads and closed footwear on any road, according to the updated regulation.

The decree, approved on June 24, also regulates the certification of helmets and gloves, although the obligation to certify gloves has a one-year extension.

A change that sounds like common sense to many, but clashes with urban summer conditions (heat, humidity, and ingrained habits).

How will this affect city motorcyclists?

When does it come into force and what deadlines are there?

On October 1, 2026, the obligations for gloves and closed footwear come into force. The mandatory certification of gloves is postponed until October 1, 2027 to give users time.

This gives one year to adapt to the required labels and certificates, but does not exempt from fines from the effective date for the rest of the requirements.

And the Gloves: certification and extension?

Gloves will be mandatory and, from October 1, 2027, must be certified. Until that date, they will be mandatory but do not need to carry a certification label.

This means motorcyclists have one year to purchase certified equipment, but can already be fined if they do not wear gloves starting in 2026.

What doubts and resistance does this generate in Barcelona?

What do motorcyclists say?

Manel, parked at Plaça Catalunya, accepts the measure: "Anything that improves safety is welcome." Toni, wearing sandals, acknowledges it "makes perfect sense" but admits it will be an effort to get used to it.

Luciano, with a helmet he describes as "super-certified," is more skeptical about city footwear—he doesn’t see much sense for short rides in extreme heat.

How will the equipment offering change?

The impact on the textile and equipment market could be direct: more demand for lightweight gloves and closed shoes adapted to summer. Shops and brands are already reviewing stock and models.

For the urban motorcyclist, this may mean an initial cost but also more options for specific products (breathable materials, non-slip soles, easy sizing to get on and off the motorcycle).

The DGT explains that the new regulation reflects a shift in focus towards people and urban environments. This is not just rhetoric: it entails concrete fines and certification deadlines.

The combination of cultural impact and practical application generates very different reactions depending on motorcycle use (long trips vs. short urban journeys).

How to make it easy for daily riders? Beyond the fine, daily reality requires practical solutions: ventilated gloves, closed shoes made of lightweight materials, and accessible points of sale (IKEA parking maneuvers, central parking lots, etc.).

The €200 fine may seem deterrent, but the DGT is committed to preventing serious injuries. For many motorcyclists, the debate is not just about the fine but about how to adapt routines and equipment.

The permission to ride on the right shoulder in case of congestion (max 30 km/h) is the other novelty unrelated to clothing. This authorization will only be valid on marked sections and serves another purpose: to speed up traffic without endangering pedestrians.

What remains pending? Practical questions remain: effective enforcement of the rule, certification criteria, and adaptation of specialized commerce.

The DGT has already sent the message; now we must see the on-the-ground application and social acceptance.

Finally, the reality is that the measure is aimed at protecting vulnerable users, especially motorcyclists. The DGT, the June 24 decree, and the €200 fine are key elements that will mark the implementation of this regulation.

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