Since October 1, 2026, the reform of the General Traffic Regulations which introduces one of the most anticipated new features for bikers: «the possibility of using the right shoulder when the traffic lanes are stopped by a traffic jam«. However, be careful, this is not a general permit to drive on the shoulder every time a traffic jam appears. But, in Catalonia, as other times, this is not the case.
The new regulation establishes that this extraordinary use can only be done on sections previously enabled and agreed upon between the owner of the road and the competent traffic authority. In addition, these sections must be marked with vertical signs and road markings.
When the measure is enabled, the motorcycles will have to «Drive on the right shoulder at a maximum of 30 km/h, in a column of one at a time and taking extreme caution.«. The new rule also requires leaving the shoulder when necessary so as not to endanger users who must necessarily circulate on it.
Catalonia keeps the shoulder closed for motorcycles
Here appears one of the main peculiarities of the new regulations. Although the General Traffic Regulations establish the state framework to allow this measure, the authorization of each section also depends on the regional or local authority responsible for traffic regulation.
Thus, in Catalonia, the Servei Català de Trànsit has decided not to enable this possibility. Your director, Ramon Lamielhad already expressed its opposition to allowing motorcycles to use the shoulder in these circumstances and has defended keeping this space free for “reasons related to road safety and the actions of emergency services«.
Therefore, a motorist traveling on a Catalan road cannot interpret the entry into force of the state reform as an automatic authorization to use the shoulder during a traffic jam. As we are telling you, the decision of the SCT keeps this possibility closed in Catalonia.
Why doesn’t Catalonia want to enable it?
As we mentioned, the position of the Catalan Transit Service is based mainly on maintaining the «shoulder available as a safety space«. This element of the road can be essential for the intervention of emergency services, especially after an accident or when a vehicle is damaged. So…
The decision means that bikers will encounter a different situation depending on the territory through which they travel. In those sections where the competent authority has enabled the system, they may use the shoulder under the conditions established by the new Regulation. In Catalonia, this possibility is not available. The reform thus introduces an unusual situation: there is a state regulation that expressly contemplates the extraordinary use of the shoulder by motorcycles, but its practical application depends on the responsible authorities enabling the corresponding sections.
«The signage will be what makes the difference«. And in Catalonia, at least for now, bikers will have to continue waiting in the traffic lanes when the usual traffic jams occur.
