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Local & Spanish


l’Alfàs del Pi / 10 February 2026
The Town Hall of l’Alfàs del Pi is informing residents of the entry into force of new national regulations for Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs), including electric scooters, which make vehicle registration and third-party liability insurance compulsory.
The new rules are designed to improve safety for users and pedestrians alike, while also enabling easier identification of vehicles in the event of accidents or incidents.
Under the regulations, PMVs are officially recognised as vehicles, not toys, and are therefore subject to traffic and road safety laws similar to those governing cars and motorcycles. Electric scooters may only be used on roads and cycle lanes and are strictly prohibited on pavements, pedestrian areas, urban tunnels, interurban roads and motorways.
Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is forbidden, and users may be required to undergo breathalyser or drug tests. The use of mobile phones or headphones while riding is also prohibited, as is carrying passengers or animals attached to the vehicle.
Additional requirements include:
Failure to comply with the regulations may result in fines depending on the offence. Riding on pavements or pedestrian areas carries a €200 fine, as does using a mobile phone or headphones while riding. Riding at night without lights or reflectors, using prohibited roads or tunnels, or failing to wear a helmet where required may also result in €200 fines and possible vehicle impoundment.
Carrying a passenger on a single-seat scooter is punishable by a €100 fine, while modifying a vehicle to exceed the speed limit may lead to a €500 fine, impoundment and potential legal action. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in fines ranging from €500 to €1,000, depending on the severity.
Toni Such, Councillor for Citizen Security, stated:
“This regulation is an important step towards improving coexistence on our streets and ensuring that users of electric scooters and personal mobility vehicles circulate responsibly. The Town Hall urges all residents to comply with the rules and help avoid accidents and penalties.”
The Town Hall recommends that users register their scooters as soon as possible through the official channels of Spain’s Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) and take out appropriate insurance with companies offering policies specifically designed for PMVs.
The new regulation aims to promote safe, orderly and respectful mobility, protecting both PMV users and the wider public.
Regional overview: steady pre-summer momentum
Across the Costa Blanca, including Benidorm, Altea, L’Alfàs del Pi (Albir), La Nucía and Finestrat, the region is entering a strong early-season phase with increasing visitor numbers, expanding nightlife, and a growing calendar of small cultural and leisure events ahead of the main summer period.
Markets, live music, coastal tourism and community events continue to dominate activity this week, alongside ongoing infrastructure improvements such as new sustainability and mobility projects.
BENIDORM – Markets, nightlife and tourism growth
Weekly street markets in Benidorm remain a key attraction, including Wednesday and Sunday general markets offering food, clothing and local goods.
The Old Town continues to host craft stalls and informal street entertainment, while evening activity is increasing as the summer season approaches.
Live music is now a nightly feature across main entertainment zones, with tribute acts, DJs and bar performances contributing to strong visitor activity.
Tourism officials also note continued preparation for upcoming seasonal events, including the build-up toward traditional spring and early summer festivals.
ALTEA – Culture and coastal leisure
Altea continues to focus on cultural tourism and relaxation, with art galleries, artisan shops and small exhibitions operating throughout the Old Town.
Live acoustic performances and low-key entertainment are taking place across seafront bars, while boat excursions from Altea harbour are operating regular coastal and sunset sailing routes depending on weather conditions.
ALBIR / L’ALFÀS DEL PI – Community events and live music
L'Alfàs del Pi and the Albir area maintain a steady mix of expat and local activity.
Weekly Friday markets remain popular, while Irish pubs and live music venues continue to host regular bands and acoustic performances.
The Casa de Cultura is also hosting community exhibitions, theatre and social events throughout the week.
LA NUCÍA – Sports and weekend activity
La Nucia continues to centre around sports tourism, with its major sports complex hosting training camps and competitive events.
The Sunday rastro flea market remains a key attraction, drawing visitors from across the region.
FINESTRAT – Coastal leisure and markets
Finestrat is experiencing growing beachfront activity as beach bars and restaurants reopen for the warmer season.
Markets in La Cala continue on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering local produce and artisan goods, while sunset dining and relaxed evening entertainment are becoming more frequent.
VILLAJOYOSA – Culture, coastline and local life
Villajoyosa is experiencing steady early-season activity, supported by its historic old town, colourful seafront and growing cultural tourism offer.
Local markets and small artisan trading continue throughout the week, while the seafront promenade is seeing increased footfall as warmer weather returns.
The town also maintains its reputation for traditional fishing heritage, chocolate production history, and quiet beach tourism, offering a more relaxed contrast to nearby resort centres.
INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE – Benidorm EV expansion
Alongside tourism growth, Benidorm is also continuing its sustainability rollout, including new electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the Levante area as part of its broader mobility and climate strategy.
The project forms part of EU-backed funding aimed at supporting low-emission transport across major Mediterranean destinations.
REGIONAL SUMMARY
The Costa Blanca continues its gradual transition into peak tourist season, with activity levels rising steadily across all major towns.

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