This is the legal age at which the Traffic Regulations allow children to be carried on a motorcycle, although it would not hurt to add some extra precautions.
22/10/2026 13:00
Updated to
22/10/2026 13:00
In Spain, it is legal to carry a child as a passenger on a motorcycle or moped, but not at any age or under all circumstances. The General Traffic Regulations establish as a general rule that the passenger must be over 12 years old, although it includes an exception allowing children under that age to travel starting at 7 years old when certain conditions are met.
However, just because it is legal does not mean it is risk-free. Therefore, beyond what the regulations permit, road safety recommendations advise taking extreme precautions, especially for long trips or those involving road travel.
What the General Traffic Regulations Say
The regulation is outlined in Article 12 of the General Traffic Regulations, whose wording was amended by Royal Decree 518/2026 dated June 24. The text states that motorcycles and moped taxis may carry a passenger as long as this option is specified in the vehicle’s registration permit. Generally, the passenger must be over 12 years old and wear an approved protective helmet. They must also sit behind the driver, straddling the seat, with their feet on the side footrests, and it is explicitly prohibited for the passenger to position themselves between the driver and the handlebars.
The exception is intended for certain family trips and is mentioned in point 12.2. It states: “Exceptionally, children over seven years old may ride on motorcycles or moped bikes driven by their father, mother, or guardian, or by adults authorized by them, provided they wear approved protective helmets and the requirements of the previous section are met.” This clarifies an important point: for a child under 12 to ride, it is not sufficient for the child to meet the minimum age requirement for this exception; the driver must also be among those legally responsible for the child.
What is recommended
However, complying with the law does not mean that any type of riding is advisable. The General Directorate of Traffic reminds that minors are especially vulnerable in the event of an accident, as they lack a vehicle body to protect them from impacts, unlike passengers in a sedan. Therefore, in addition to a helmet, it is important for them to wear appropriate protective gear such as a jacket, durable pants, gloves, and footwear that protects their feet and ankles.
In fact, although it seems common sense, the latest update to the Traffic Regulations includes changes that now require certain equipment to be carried by any motorcycle user, not just the driver. Starting this month, closed-toe footwear must always be worn regardless of the type of road being traveled, while protective gloves are required on interurban roads. Additionally, for moped riders, helmets can no longer be certified—they must be homologated.
This last point deserves special attention if a child will be using it. The helmet must fit properly on the child’s head, be the correct size, and have its strap securely fastened under the chin. This is crucial because a helmet that is too large or poorly fitted may reduce its effectiveness in the event of an accident.
It is also important to ensure that the child can comfortably reach the footrests and maintain a stable posture throughout the journey. The driver should adjust their driving style to the circumstances, avoid sudden maneuvers, and be aware that the motorcycle’s behavior changes when carrying a passenger. Generally, minors have less strength to hold on during changes in inertia. Additionally, for intercity trips where speeds are usually higher, it is advisable to avoid traveling with children under 12 years old.