New Traffic Light Rules in Spain: What Lanzarote Drivers Need to Know
Drivers in Lanzarote and across the Canary Islands should be aware of changes to Spain’s traffic light regulations coming into force on 1 October 2026.
The changes are aimed at making traffic signals at pedestrian crossings clearer and reducing confusion between motorists and pedestrians.
What is changing?
Under the new rules, a flashing amber light for vehicles will no longer be used at the same time as a fixed green pedestrian signal at traffic-light-controlled pedestrian crossings.
The regulations also specify that a flashing amber vehicle signal must be preceded by a fixed red light.
The aim is to avoid situations where pedestrians are being given a clear green signal to cross while drivers are simultaneously being shown a flashing amber light.
Are amber traffic lights being abolished?
No.
This is an important distinction, particularly following some misleading headlines about the changes.
Amber lights will continue to be part of Spain’s traffic-light system. A flashing amber signal will still mean that drivers must proceed with particular caution and give way where necessary.
The change concerns when the flashing amber signal can be displayed in relation to pedestrian signals.
What does this mean for Lanzarote?
The new rules apply throughout Spain, including Lanzarote and the other Canary Islands.
It doesn’t mean that every traffic light on the island will suddenly change. Instead, affected pedestrian crossings will need to comply with the updated regulations.
Residents and tourists driving in Lanzarote may therefore notice different traffic-light sequences at some junctions from October onwards.
For visitors hiring a car, the advice is simple: pay close attention to the signals, road markings and pedestrians rather than relying on the traffic-light sequence you may be familiar with from home.
When does the new rule start?
The changes come into effect on 1 October 2026 under an amendment to Spain’s General Traffic Regulations.
So, if you’re driving in Lanzarote this autumn, keep an eye out for the updated arrangements at pedestrian crossings and remember that a flashing amber light does not mean you can simply continue without caution.
The purpose of the change is ultimately to make Spanish traffic lights, pedestrian crossings and road safety easier for everyone to understand.
What will drivers actually see?
From 1 October 2026, if you approach a traffic-light-controlled pedestrian crossing and the pedestrian light is green, the vehicle light will be red. Drivers will no longer see a flashing amber light at the same time as pedestrians have a green signal. Once the pedestrian phase has finished, the lights will change through the normal sequence, allowing vehicles to continue when their light permits. The familiar red, amber and green lights are not being replaced — the change is simply to make it much clearer when pedestrians have priority and when drivers can move.
