Support us

Motorcycle equipmentSpain

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Spain. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Spain

73. Motorcycle equipment

Motorcycle equipment includes the protective equipment used by the rider and passenger and the safety equipment fitted to the motorcycle. Rider equipment commonly includes a helmet, protective clothing, gloves, boots and eye protection, while the motorcycle itself requires equipment such as lights, brakes, mirrors, tyres and signalling devices according to local law.

The equipment that is legally required varies between countries and motorcycle categories. Riders should ensure that both their protective equipment and motorcycle are suitable, correctly used and in safe condition before travelling.

Motorcycle equipment
Barry Sheene's racing helmet, leathers and Suzuki motorcycle on display at the Silverstone Experience Centre. (United Kingdom)
Wikimedia.org • 35mmMan • CC BY
What equipment should a motorcyclist use?

Motorcyclists should use appropriate protective equipment, commonly including a helmet, gloves, protective jacket and trousers, and footwear that protects the feet and ankles.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 83–88, helmets and protective clothing; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 59, cycle equipment; national guidance example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2 and 36, moped/speed-pedelec helmets; Belgian example

🔗 chp.ca.gov • California Highway Patrol, motorcycle safety and helmets; California example

Is a motorcycle helmet compulsory?

Helmet requirements depend on local law, although approved motorcycle helmets are compulsory in many countries. The helmet should fit correctly and be used in a way that preserves its protective function.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 83–88, helmets and protective clothing; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 59, cycle equipment; national guidance example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2 and 36, moped/speed-pedelec helmets; Belgian example

🔗 chp.ca.gov • California Highway Patrol, motorcycle safety and helmets; California example

Why should motorcyclists wear gloves?

Use suitable motorcycle gloves as part of your protective equipment. They can help protect the hands while allowing a secure grip and operation of the controls. Protection depends on the glove’s design, condition and fit; ordinary gloves are not automatically equivalent to protective riding gloves.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 83–88, helmets and protective clothing; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 59, cycle equipment; national guidance example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2 and 36, moped/speed-pedelec helmets; Belgian example

🔗 chp.ca.gov • California Highway Patrol, motorcycle safety and helmets; California example

1 Spain 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Tunnel 9 Toll road 10 Quay 11 Slope 12 Dead end 13 Stop sign 14 Give way 15 Roundabout 16 Road narrowing 17 Pedestrian crossing 18 Railway crossing 19 School area 20 Overtaking 21 Crossing animals 22 Slippery road 23 Rockfall 24 Curve 25 Roadworks 26 Height limit 27 Selective barriers 28 Traffic lights 29 Traffic lights warning 30 Pedestrian lights 31 Driving licence 32 Location marker 33 Countdown markers 34 Traffic mirror 35 International border 36 Pedestrian underpass 37 Cycling route 38 Parking 39 No parking 40 Disabled parking 41 Reversing 42 Provisional licence 43 City limit 44 Licence plate 45 Charging station 46 Dangers 47 Pedestrian 48 Cyclist 49 Bus 50 Police 51 Ambulance 52 European emission standard 53 Pothole 54 Path 55 Particulates 56 Air pollution 57 Rush hour 58 Road code 59 Street gutter 60 Road debris 61 Cargo bike 62 Forestry vehicle 63 Construction vehicle 64 Semi-trailer truck 65 Trolleybus 66 Speed pedelec 67 Delivery vehicle 68 Idling 69 Tow truck 70 Four-wheel drive 71 No vehicles 72 Bicycle 73 Motorcycle equipment 74 Tram 75 Rail track 76 Caravan 77 Trailer 78 Tow hitch 79 Fire truck 80 Siren 81 Convoy 82 Emergency vehicle lighting 83 Agricultural machinery 84 Electric bicycle 85 Electric vehicle 86 Pedelec 87 Quadricycle 88 Microcar 89 All-terrain vehicle 90 Van 91 Recreational vehicle 92 Scooter 93 Trikke 94 Personal mobility device 95 Skateboard 96 Segway 97 Kick scooter 98 Roller skates 99 Mailman 100 Hitchhiker ...