Royal Decree 52/2026:
Mandatory registration of electric scooters with the DGT

What is Royal Decree 52/2026?

Royal Decree 52/2026, published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) in early 2026, regulates the obligation to register personal mobility vehicles (VMPs) in the National Vehicle Register of the Directorate-General of Traffic (DGT). It completes and systematises the regulatory framework initiated years earlier by the General Traffic Regulations.

The regulation establishes that every VMP travelling on public roads must be properly registered, regardless of how frequently the owner uses it or where it is ridden. There is no exception for frequency of use, circulation zone or vehicle age.

Who is affected?

RD 52/2026 affects owners of all VMPs that travel on public roads in Spain, including:

• Electric scooters of up to 25 km/h and 500 W nominal power.
• Electric scooters with seats, provided they do not exceed the above limits.
• Monowheels and segways.
• Other electric mobility devices with one or similar wheels that fall within the VMP definition under traffic regulations.

Mopeds, conventional electric bicycles (which have their own regime) and vehicles of category L1e or higher are not affected by the mandatory registration requirement.

What exactly does RD 52/2026 require?

The main obligations for VMP owners are:

1. Registration in the DGT's National Vehicle Register: can be processed at the DGT electronic office or through an authorised agency. Cost: Tax 4.1, €8.67.
2. Obtaining the identification label: a physical plate bearing the assigned registration number, which must be affixed to the vehicle in the designated location.
3. Taking out compulsory civil liability insurance: required by Law 5/2025, complementary to RD 52/2026. Without prior registration the insurance cannot be taken out.

Deadlines set by RD 52/2026

• From January 2026: registration is mandatory for all VMPs travelling on public roads.
• From 22 January 2024 (prior regulation): only scooters with a DGT type certificate may be sold in Spain.
• Until 22 January 2027: transitional regime for non-certified scooters already in circulation. They may be registered and ridden during this period.

Penalties for non-compliance

Failing to comply with the obligations of RD 52/2026 may result in the following penalties:

• Riding without DGT registration: fine of €200 to €1,000, depending on the severity of the offence and any aggravating circumstances.
• Riding without RC insurance: fine of €250 to €800 (Law 5/2025).
• Riding without identification label: additional penalty for incorrect vehicle identification.

The combination of riding without registration and without insurance can result in a minimum combined fine of €450, compared with a compliance cost of approximately €90–140 in the first year.

Transitional regime for non-certified scooters

RD 52/2026 recognises that a large number of VMPs in circulation do not have a DGT type certificate. For these vehicles it establishes a transitional regime that allows their registration and continued use on public roads until 22 January 2027.

Owners of scooters without DGT certification should take advantage of this period to register their vehicle before it expires. See full details in our article on the transitional regime for non-certified scooters.

How to comply with RD 52/2026

There are two ways to register a VMP:

• DGT electronic office (yourself): requires Cl@ve Permanente, Cl@ve PIN, FNMT digital certificate or electronic DNI. The process takes 10–20 minutes if there are no technical issues. Cost: €8.67 (Tax 4.1).
• NT Cars — Registered agency no. 4213: 5-minute form, no Cl@ve or digital certificate needed. The agent processes the registration directly at the DGT electronic office. Cost: €35 all-inclusive (DGT fee included). Certificate in 24–48 working hours.

Based on RD 52/2026 (BOE 2026) and complementary traffic regulations. April 2026.