Cycling in Spain does not require a licence, but riders are subject to most of the same traffic rules as motorists, and the traffic authority, the DGT, can fine cyclists anywhere from €80 to €1,000. With thousands of visitors cycling on Mallorca’s roads, it pays to know the rules.
The most common fines
| Offence | Fine |
|---|---|
| Using a phone or wearing headphones while riding | €200 |
| Running a red light | €150–€500 |
| Not giving way at a junction | €200 |
| Riding without lights when required | €200 |
| No reflective clothing when required | €80 |
| Not signalling a manoeuvre | €200 |
| No helmet where compulsory | €200 |
| Riding on the pavement | €100 |
| Riding across a zebra crossing | €200 |
| Carrying a child incorrectly | €100 |
| Exceeding the alcohol limit | €500–€1,000 |
Alcohol
Cyclists are subject to the same alcohol limits as drivers: 0.5 g per litre of blood or 0.25 mg per litre of exhaled air. Riders can be breathalysed, and refusing a test is itself an offence.
Helmets
In towns, helmets are compulsory only for riders under 16, although they are recommended for everyone. On interurban roads, all cyclists must wear one, with limited exceptions such as long uphill climbs, extreme heat or a documented medical reason.
Lights and visibility
At night, in tunnels and in poor visibility, bicycles must have front and rear lights, and on interurban roads riders must also wear reflective clothing visible from 150 metres.
Riding in town
Bicycles may not be ridden on pavements unless a shared path is marked. At pedestrian crossings, cyclists should dismount and walk. Riders should keep to the right, leaving space from parked cars, and always give way to pedestrians.
On open roads
Where there is a usable hard shoulder, cyclists must use it, except on long descents when it is safe to leave it. Riding two abreast is allowed, but riders must go single file on bends, in poor visibility and when traffic builds up behind them.
Signals and priority
Turns and lane changes must be signalled with the arm. Cyclists have priority over cars when they are on a cycle lane, a cycle crossing or a marked hard shoulder. In a group, once the first rider enters a roundabout, the whole group has priority.
Drivers’ obligations
Drivers must leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists and may cross a continuous line to do so when it is safe — a rule worth remembering on Mallorca’s mountain roads.
