Spain's urban streets have recently introduced a new traffic sign designed specifically to regulate the movement of light motorised personal transport devices, notably electric scooters. The R-118 sign, a red circular sign featuring a silhouette commonly identified with scooters, is now being installed across various cities, signalling significant changes for millions of users of these vehicles.
Since 1 July 2025, local authorities have been authorised to place this new sign, which restricts access for certain vehicles in specific areas. This regulatory development aims to address longstanding issues caused by the varied and inconsistent local rules in place before now, as well as concerns regarding safety and coexistence among different modes of transport.
"What was merely a draft proposal three years ago is now a concrete reality on the roads," officials noted, highlighting the penalties and obligations that come with the R-118's implementation. Enforcement began shortly after the sign’s introduction, marking a new phase in urban mobility management across Spain.
Background of the R-118 traffic sign
The R-118's inception dates back to 2022, when the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) emphasised the urgent need to update Spain's traffic signs catalogue, which had remained unchanged since 2003. Over the preceding two decades, personal electric devices such as scooters, monocycles, segways and hoverboards became widespread, yet the traffic code lacked specific provisions addressing their use.
Without clear national guidelines, municipalities resorted to their own regulations, leading to a patchwork of rules: in some cities, these vehicles were permitted on bike lanes; in others, they were banned altogether; requirements for helmet use varied accordingly. This inconsistency proved problematic for both users and authorities.
The turning point came with the publication of Royal Decree 465/2025 on 17 June 2025, which for the first time in over twenty years modernised traffic signage in Spain. The decree included new signs tailored for emerging urban transport modes, including the R-118. This sign officially took effect two weeks later, on 1 July 2025, with municipalities required to replace outdated signs before 1 July 2026.
Vehicles affected and visual design of the sign
While commonly referred to as "the scooter sign," the R-118 is more comprehensive. It applies to all personal motorised mobility devices, such as electric scooters, electric monocycles, segways, and hoverboards. Conversely, conventional cars, motorcycles, mopeds, and both regular and electric bicycles remain authorised to circulate where the R-118 is displayed.
The sign's design aligns with international standards: a white background with a red circular border encasing a black silhouette of a scooter. This ensures intuitive recognition without the need for accompanying text, fulfilling modern traffic signage requirements.
Penalties have already been enforced
Ignoring the R-118 entails a fine of €200. This amount corresponds to penalties for other traffic sign infringements and leaves no room for ignorance as a defence. Early adopters of the sign such as Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Sevilla have begun issuing fines in zones deemed incompatible or hazardous for these vehicles, including pedestrian areas, historic centres, and certain lanes.