Driving in Mallorca in 2026 requires careful preparation and awareness of both legal requirements and modern traffic management systems. Visitors must ensure they have the correct licences and documentation, comply with evolving safety equipment rules, and adhere to strict speed limits and road regulations enforced across the island.
Licensing and documents are particularly important for visitors. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver’s licence. UK visitors with a photocard licence can generally drive in Mallorca for short stays, but non-EU/EFTA licence holders can use their foreign licence for up to six months. After that, they must either exchange it for a Spanish licence or obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). Vehicles must carry a valid registration certificate, an ITV card (for cars over three years old), and proof of insurance. Rental cars typically include the required documents, but drivers are responsible for verifying their presence.
Safety equipment requirements have also evolved. By 2026, all vehicles in Mallorca must have high-visibility vests accessible from the driver’s seat, the new V16 flashing beacons replacing warning triangles, and a spare wheel or repair kit. However, drivers from other countries who are visiting Spain temporarily will not be required to use a V16 beacon. They may continue to rely on their home country’s standard triangles, as the new rule only applies to Spanish-registered vehicles and respects international agreements on vehicle equipment.
Observing speed limits—120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on rural roads, 50 km/h in urban areas, with 30 km/h and 20 km/h in smaller streets—is crucial, as cameras and average-speed systems are widely deployed. Seatbelts, appropriate child restraints, hands-free phone use, and correct lane discipline are strictly enforced.
Mallorca’s roads are monitored by a combination of fixed speed cameras, mobile radars and average-speed systems, according to publicly available traffic data. Enforcement may operate in one or both directions, and mobile units can be deployed anywhere within the indicated kilometre ranges.
- Ma-1 Palma–Andratx: Fixed cameras operate at several points, including around km 15–16 on both carriageways and near km 23 on the outbound stretch.
- Ma-10 Serra de Tramuntana: Mobile speed enforcement may be deployed along much of the route, from near the start of the road up to km 111, covering traffic in both directions.
- Ma-1015: Mobile radars may be used between km 0 and km 9.6 in either direction.
- Ma-11 Palma–Soller: Mobile speed checks can operate on multiple sections, roughly between km 4.5 and km 34.5, affecting both inbound and outbound traffic.
- Ma-12 Bay of Alcudia road: A fixed camera operates close to km 24, with additional mobile controls possible between km 0 and km 31.
- Ma-13 Palma–sa Pobla motorway: Fixed cameras are positioned around km 9, km 16 and km 46, while mobile enforcement may operate between approximately km 39 and km 50.
- Ma-13A Inca road: Mobile radars can be used between km 3 and km 32. Average-speed systems operate on two short sections, around km 11–12, covering opposite directions.
- Ma-14 Manacor–Felanitx: A fixed camera operates near km 19, with mobile controls possible between km 0.3 and km 28.
- Ma-15 Palma–Manacor: A fixed camera is located near km 52, and an average-speed section operates close to km 5.
- Ma-19 Llucmajor motorway: Fixed cameras operate near km 9 and km 30, with mobile enforcement occasionally used around km 27.
- Ma-19A Old Llucmajor road: Mobile speed controls may be deployed between km 8 and km 26.
- Ma-2200 Pollensa road: A fixed camera operates close to km 50 on the outbound stretch.
- Ma-3011 Sineu road: Mobile radars may be positioned anywhere between km 0 and km 31.
- Ma-3433 sa Pobla–Alcudia road: Mobile speed enforcement is possible along the full route, from km 0 to km 8.5.
- Ma-4020 Manacor–Portocristo: Mobile cameras may operate between km 0 and km 12.8 on the inbound carriageway.
- Ma-4023 Portocristo–Son Servera: Mobile enforcement may be deployed between km 4 and km 8 in both directions.
- Ma-5020 Llucmajor–Porreres: Mobile radars can operate along the route between km 0 and km 11.
- Ma-5120 Campos–Felanitx: A fixed camera operates near km 6.6 on the inbound stretch.
- Ma-6012: Mobile speed checks may be carried out between km 0 and km 4.3.
- Ma-6014 Cami d’es Palmer: Mobile cameras may operate between km 1 and km 30, with an average-speed section located near km 1.3.
- Ma-6015 Cami de les Meravelles: Mobile enforcement may be used between km 1 and km 11 in both directions.
General driving rules in Mallorca are important to know. Traffic drives on the right, and overtaking is only permitted on the left. Vehicles already inside roundabouts have priority, and at unmarked intersections, drivers must yield to vehicles coming from the right, unless signs indicate otherwise. Drivers on main roads take priority over those on secondary roads, while emergency vehicles and trams always have priority. The use of the horn is limited to emergencies, and in urban areas, headlights should be used to signal instead.
In Spain, drink-driving and drug-driving are strictly prohibited and heavily penalised. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 grams per litre for most drivers, with lower limits applying to novice and professional drivers, and there is a zero-tolerance policy for illegal drugs. In places such as Mallorca, police also frequently conduct roadside checks, particularly along popular tourist routes. Penalties can include heavy fines, loss of points, licence suspension and, in serious cases, criminal charges or imprisonment. For drivers of rental cars, fines may initially be processed through the hire company before being issued by the authorities, and EU data-sharing agreements allow penalties to be enforced even after leaving Spain.
Urban access in Mallorca is increasingly regulated. Low-Emission Zones (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones also know as ZBE) are being rolled out in Palma, restricting older, polluting vehicles and requiring online registration for foreign plates. Soller has also introduced a low-emission zone that restricts access to its historic town centre, preventing most tourist vehicles from driving through the area. The scheme covers around a dozen central streets and a large section of the old town, with vehicle access reserved primarily for residents. Visitors arriving in hire cars or other non-resident vehicles are required to leave their cars in designated parking areas located on the outskirts of the centre and continue on foot.
Finally, in Spain, there is no specific law that bans particular clothing or footwear while driving, but traffic regulations require drivers to maintain full control of the vehicle and freedom of movement at all times. Footwear such as flip-flops, high heels or even driving barefoot is not expressly illegal; however, drivers may be fined if an officer considers that their footwear interferes with safe use of the pedals. Similarly, clothing or accessories that restrict movement or reduce visibility, such as bulky coats, scarves or unsuitable headwear, can lead to a penalty. Ultimately, drivers are responsible for ensuring that their attire does not compromise road safety.
In 2025, Mallorca introduced a network of digital information panels to help manage traffic and parking in some of the island’s busiest and most sensitive areas. These panels provide real-time updates on parking availability in destinations such as Soller, Sa Calobra and Cala Tuent, allowing drivers to check whether car parks are full before continuing their journey. Strategically positioned on main access roads, tunnel approaches and key junctions, the system enables motorists to turn back or choose alternative routes, helping to reduce congestion on narrow mountain roads, particularly in the Serra de Tramuntana during peak season.
Tourists driving electric vehicles in Mallorca can take advantage of a growing network of public charging points across the island, including Palma, major towns, tourist resorts, and along key routes such as the MA-10 through the Serra de Tramuntana. Most stations offer fast chargers (up to 50 kW) as well as slower Type 2 or CCS connections, with many accessible 24/7 via apps or RFID cards provided by networks like Endesa X, IBIL, or local operators. MELIB (Red de Movilidad Eléctrica de las Illes Balears), the public charging network set up by the Balearic Government, includes over 1,200 stations island-wide and is interoperable with many private operators, allowing drivers to locate, activate, and pay for charging through the official MELIB app, which also shows real-time availability, connector types, and speeds. Some charging points are free, particularly where municipalities subsidise them, while others require payment via the app or operator tariffs. These spaces are reserved exclusively for charging; parking without actively charging or exceeding the allowed time can result in fines issued by local police.
Mallorca is a popular destination for tourists using rental scooters and mopeds, but it’s important to follow local rules to stay safe and avoid fines. Helmets are mandatory for both riders and passengers, and failure to wear one can result in penalties. Drivers must hold a valid licence: an EU or EFTA licence is generally accepted, while non-EU visitors may need an International Driving Permit. Lane-splitting is not permitted, and riders should always stay within marked lanes and respect speed limits. Additionally, scooters and mopeds must be parked in designated areas, particularly in towns and tourist centres, to avoid fines and keep narrow streets clear.
Whether driving a rental or your own car in Mallorca, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies and know the proper procedures. In the event of an accident or breakdown, ensure everyone’s safety first and move the vehicle out of traffic if possible. Call the European emergency number 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Drivers should document the incident by taking photos, exchanging details with other parties, and collecting witness information if available. For rental vehicles, contact the hire company immediately to report the situation and follow their guidance, while for private cars, notify your insurance provider and follow their instructions for roadside assistance or repairs. Always keep your driver’s licence, insurance, and registration documents accessible to ensure a smooth and legally compliant response.