Spain to introduce six new laws: What tourists need to know

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Tengrinews.kz - Spain has warned tourists about six new laws in public places, according to Birmingham Mail.

Spain, one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, is introducing changes to its legislation that will affect both locals and tourists. The new rules come into force in 2025 and cover traffic, ecology and tourism infrastructure. Here are six key changes to consider before you travel.

1. Drink drive limits slashed

In 2025, Spain plans to reduce the permissible blood alcohol level for all drivers to 0.2 g/l. This is one of the strictest limits in Europe, comparable to the standards of Norway and Sweden. For professional drivers and novices, the limit will remain at 0.3 g/l, and for minors, there is a zero threshold. The new law effectively means a complete ban on drinking alcohol before driving.

Road safety experts liked this innovation.

"When it comes to drink-driving, the simplest message is also the safest: do not drink any alcohol before driving. With this new lower limit, Spain is taking a leadership role in Europe. With proper enforcement, this measure will save many lives from being ruined or destroyed," said Antonio Avenoso, Executive Director of the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC).

2. Creating a mandatory "emergency corridor" for emergency services

Drivers are required to give way to emergency services, forming a "safety corridor." This will allow ambulances, firefighters, and police to quickly get to the scene of an accident.

3. Strict rules for motorcyclists

The authorities will tighten the safety requirements for motorcyclists. Not only certified helmets will be mandatory but also special protective gloves. There are also plans to introduce mandatory courses for drivers of category B cars who want to drive motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 125 cubic centimeters.

4. Low-emission zones in cities

All cities in Spain with a population of over 50,000 people are required to create low-emission zones. This is necessary to reduce air and noise pollution. High-emission vehicles will have limited access to such zones.

5. Ban on certain maneuvers for motorcycle drivers

In slow-moving or traffic jam conditions, motorcycle drivers will be able to use the hard shoulder, but with a speed limit of 18 mph. They will also have to give way to cyclists and agricultural machinery.

6. "Big Brother Law" and the collection of data on tourists

Royal Decree 933/2021 obliges hotels, car rental companies, and campsites to collect and transfer to the state a significant amount of personal data on tourists. This is aimed at strengthening security and control over the flow of travelers.

It is noted that the changes are part of a large-scale program in Spain to improve road safety, reduce pollution, and improve the management of tourist infrastructure. Tourists and motorists are advised to carefully study the new laws before visiting the country.

Earlier, TripAdvisor named the top 25 cities to visit in 2025. Spain also entered the list.

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