Lanzarote Buggy Tours: Teguise Ordinance Still Awaiting Answers

Lanzarote Buggy Tours: Why Teguise’s Proposed Rules Remain Unresolved

Visitors to Lanzarote may see buggy and quad excursions advertised as a way to explore the island’s volcanic landscapes. But in the municipality of Teguise, the rules intended to regulate these vehicles have become the subject of a lengthy debate — and the proposed changes are still awaiting key responses. For residents, the issue is closely linked to the use of rural tracks, noise, road safety and the protection of the island’s countryside. For holidaymakers, the practical question is what the latest developments mean when choosing an organised buggy tour in Lanzarote.

What has happened with the Teguise buggy ordinance?

Teguise Town Council began the process of changing its municipal rules on quads and similar vehicles in 2025. The proposal received initial approval at a council meeting on 14 November 2025, with the stated aim of addressing concerns raised in several local areas while taking account of the municipality’s tourism industry. The draft prompted objections and submissions from different sides. Some residents have called for stronger controls on organised excursions, while motorcyclists and other vehicle users have argued that restrictions could be too broad and might affect people using tracks responsibly. After the public-submission period ended in January 2026, a municipal technical report recommended seeking opinions from Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) and the Lanzarote Cabildo. According to reporting published on 13 October 2026, the council was still waiting for responses to those requests, leaving the proposed ordinance stalled and its final form uncertain.

Why are buggy tours in Lanzarote controversial?

The debate is particularly visible around Guatiza and other parts of Teguise where residents have raised concerns about convoys of buggies and quads using rural roads and tracks. Concerns include disturbance to people living nearby, pressure on the landscape and questions about how organised motor excursions should be controlled. Tour operators and vehicle users, meanwhile, have challenged aspects of the proposed restrictions, arguing that rules should be clear, proportionate and distinguish between different types of vehicle and use. The dispute is therefore not simply about tourism versus residents; it also concerns which authority has responsibility for each road or track and how the existing rules should be applied.

Does the delay mean buggy excursions can go anywhere?

No. The fact that the proposed Teguise ordinance has not been finalised should not be taken as permission to drive anywhere in the countryside. Separate island-wide planning and land-use rules may apply, and the Cabildo has previously stated that organised motor excursions involving caravans of more than three vehicles are prohibited in certain circumstances outside an officially approved route network. The precise position can depend on the location, route, permissions and type of activity. That is an important distinction for visitors: the status of a new municipal rule is not the same as the rules that already apply. Anyone booking an excursion should check that the operator has the necessary authorisations for the specific route and activity, rather than assuming that an advertised tour is automatically permitted everywhere.

Advice for tourists planning a buggy tour in Lanzarote

If a buggy or quad excursion is on your holiday itinerary, consider these simple checks before paying: • Ask the company which route the excursion follows and whether the activity is authorised for that route. • Check what is included in the price, the expected duration and whether the tour uses public roads, rural tracks or both. • Follow the guide’s instructions, wear the required safety equipment and bring suitable clothing for dust and changing conditions. • Do not leave the designated route or enter restricted land to take photographs. • If the details are unclear, choose another activity or ask the operator for written clarification before booking. Lanzarote has plenty of ways to explore its scenery, from walking routes and cycling to guided cultural trips. A responsible excursion should allow visitors to enjoy the island while respecting the communities and landscapes they have come to see.

What happens next?

The next significant step is for the outstanding reports to be received and considered, after which Teguise will need to decide how to proceed with the proposed changes and respond to the submissions made during the consultation process. Until the council publishes a definitive outcome, the final wording and practical effect of the proposed ordinance remain uncertain. Residents and visitors should look for updates from Teguise Town Council and the Lanzarote Cabildo rather than relying on old adverts or social-media claims about what is permitted. This remains a developing local issue, and the rules should be checked again before making assumptions about a particular excursion. For anyone searching for Lanzarote buggy tours, quad excursions in Teguise or information about driving on rural tracks in Lanzarote, the key message is simple: check the route and permissions, respect local restrictions and choose operators that are transparent about how their excursions are run.

Lanzarote Buggy Tours: Teguise Ordinance Still Awaiting Answers