Government changes regulations: Starting October 1st, drivers must yield to pedestrians even without a crosswalk

A new regulation comes into effect on October 1st, granting priority to pedestrians crossing in single-level streets, regardless of whether a crosswalk exists. Drivers must yield the right of way to them at any point on these routes.

## Single-level streets: what are they?

Starting on **October 1st**, Spanish drivers will face a new obligation on the road. The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has modified the General Circulation Regulation to reinforce protection for the most vulnerable users. The main change is that pedestrians will have priority passage in a specific type of street, even if there is no marked crosswalk. This measure, published in the **Official State Gazette (BOE)**, seeks to improve road safety in urban environments.

## Expansion of an existing rule

This modification is not entirely new; rather, it extends a rule that was already applied in certain residential areas. Now, pedestrian priority extends to all **single-level streets**. These routes are characterized by the fact that the sidewalk and roadway are at the same level, without the drop-off that usually separates them. In these streets, pedestrians may cross with preference at any point, meaning vehicles must stop to allow them passage.

## Not applicable to all routes

It is important to emphasize that this new regulation does not apply to all streets in Spain. In conventional roads, where the sidewalk is clearly separated from the roadway, the usual rules regarding right of way remain in effect. The measure focuses specifically on single-level streets, aiming to adapt circulation to the configuration of these urban areas and promote safer coexistence between vehicles and pedestrians.