Lanzarote Motorists Face €200 Fine for Riding in Flip-Flops Under New DGT Rules
New motorcycle regulations will affect both residents and holidaymakers using scooters and motorbikes across Lanzarote from 1 October 2026
For many visitors to Lanzarote, hiring a scooter or motorcycle can be a convenient way to explore the island, particularly when heading between resorts, beaches and some of the island’s quieter villages.
But anyone planning to ride a motorcycle or moped in Lanzarote should be aware of an important change to Spain’s traffic regulations coming into force this autumn.
From 1 October 2026, riders and passengers on motorcycles and mopeds will be required to wear closed footwear that covers the entire foot. Riding in flip-flops, open sandals or other footwear that leaves part of the foot exposed will no longer comply with the rules.
And breaking the new requirement can result in a €200 fine.
The new DGT rules explained
The change comes as part of Royal Decree 518/2026, which updates Spain’s General Traffic Regulations with a range of measures designed to improve road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists.
For motorcycles and mopeds, one of the most noticeable changes is the introduction of mandatory protective equipment.
From 1 October 2026:
- Closed footwear covering the entire foot will be compulsory on all types of roads.
- Protective gloves will be required for both riders and passengers on interurban roads.
- Failure to comply with the footwear or glove requirements is classified as a serious offence carrying a €200 financial penalty.
Importantly for Lanzarote, the closed-footwear requirement isn’t limited to driving on the island’s main roads. The regulation applies to all types of roads, meaning that even a short trip around a resort or town on a rented scooter will be covered.
What does this mean for tourists hiring scooters in Lanzarote?
The change could be particularly relevant to holidaymakers.
It is common to see visitors heading from their accommodation to the beach or around resorts wearing summer clothing and flip-flops. Under the new rules, however, flip-flops won’t be suitable footwear for riding a motorcycle or moped.
If you’re planning to hire a scooter in Lanzarote after 1 October, it’s worth putting a pair of suitable closed shoes in your luggage.
This is especially important for anyone hiring a scooter in popular tourist areas such as Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise, where short journeys on two wheels are a popular way of getting around.
And don’t forget the passenger. The new requirements apply to passengers as well as the person riding the motorcycle.
It’s not just about flip-flops
Although the headlines understandably focus on “flip-flops banned on motorcycles”, the wording of the legislation is actually broader.
The requirement is for closed footwear that covers the whole foot.
So the safest approach for anyone riding a scooter or motorcycle in Lanzarote is to wear proper closed shoes rather than trying to determine whether a particular sandal or open shoe might be acceptable.
This also means that simply swapping flip-flops for another type of open summer sandal isn’t necessarily going to solve the problem.
Gloves will also become part of the rules
The footwear requirement isn’t the only change affecting motorcyclists.
From 1 October, riders and passengers will also have to wear protective gloves when travelling on interurban roads. The DGT has classified this requirement as a serious offence with a €200 penalty.
There is, however, an important technical detail.
The DGT says that the requirement for specifically homologated protective gloves will become applicable once the relevant ministerial order establishing their technical specifications comes into force. Until then, gloves with the characteristics currently used for motorcycle protection will apply.
A change that comes just as Lanzarote heads into winter sunshine
For Lanzarote residents, the new regulation will apply throughout the year.
For tourists, it could be an easy rule to overlook because October in Lanzarote can still feel very much like summer. Warm temperatures, beaches and sandals remain part of everyday life, but anyone getting on a hired scooter will need to think differently about what they wear on their feet.
The message is simple: beach footwear belongs on the beach, not on the motorcycle.
There are other changes for motorcyclists too
The footwear and glove requirements are part of a wider overhaul of Spain’s traffic regulations.
One particularly interesting change is that motorcycles will be allowed to use the right-hand hard shoulder during traffic congestion, but only where the section is appropriately signposted and subject to conditions including a maximum speed of 30 km/h.
There are also changes concerning professional riders, including a requirement for riders carrying out professional activities on motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles and certain other vehicles to use a high-visibility reflective vest while working.
Some changes are being introduced later. For example, the new requirement concerning homologated helmets for moped users has a transition period and is scheduled to apply from 1 October 2027.
Lanzarote scooter hire: what should visitors do?
If you’re planning a scooter hire in Lanzarote after the new rules come into force, the easiest way to avoid problems is to prepare before you set off.
Remember:
Wear closed shoes covering the whole foot.
Carry suitable protective gloves if you’re travelling on interurban roads.
Make sure you have the appropriate helmet.
If you’re carrying a passenger, they must comply with the applicable equipment requirements too.
Don’t assume that a short journey to the beach or supermarket is exempt from the rules.
And if you’re renting a scooter, it’s worth checking with the motorcycle or scooter hire company in Lanzarote what safety equipment is supplied and what you need to bring yourself.
