DGT Registers Electric Scooters in Mandatory Registry

Published on January 31, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Image of an electric scooter on an urban street, with an official DGT seal or label superimposed, representing the new registry.

The DGT Registers Electric Scooters in a Mandatory Registry

The General Directorate of Traffic in Spain has activated a key measure to regulate electric scooters. Now, these vehicles must be registered in an official catalog to circulate legally. This step aims to organize how these microvehicles move, increase safety on the streets, and help law enforcement manage them effectively. Soon, it will also be mandatory to contract civil liability insurance. 🛴

A Registry to Identify Each Vehicle

Owners of electric scooters must register their vehicles in the DGT's registry. This process assigns a unique identification code to each scooter, allowing authorities to link the vehicle to its owner immediately. This enables enforcement of traffic rules, investigation of accidents, and issuance of fines when appropriate. This registry is a prior and indispensable requirement for using the scooter on public roads.

Main Objectives of the New Registry:
  • Link each scooter to its owner quickly and securely.
  • Help authorities ensure compliance with traffic rules.
  • Facilitate the investigation of incidents and the application of sanctions.
The measure equates, to some extent, the responsibility of a scooter rider with that of other road users.

Mandatory Insurance: Protection for Third Parties

The regulation being prepared by the DGT includes making civil liability insurance mandatory for these vehicles. This coverage aims to protect other people from damages that the scooter user may cause in an accident. The proposal is in process, and its approval seems imminent, representing a significant change in the requirements for using these vehicles. 🔒

Implications of the New Insurance Regulation:
  • Protect pedestrians and other drivers from possible material or personal damages.
  • Clarify economic responsibilities in case of accidents, especially in urban environments.
  • Integrate scooters into the road liability system, similar to other vehicles.

Towards an Orderly Coexistence in the City

These DGT actions respond to the need to manage the exponential growth of scooters in urban areas. By establishing a mandatory registry and insurance, a clear legal framework is sought that defines rights and obligations. While some users are concerned about what the identification plate will be like, the ultimate goal is to improve safety for everyone sharing public spaces. ✅