Between tomorrow, July 1, and August 31, some 104 million trips will be made on roads and highways in Spain. That is the forecast that has been made today as Operation Summer 2026 begins, in the two months with the greatest mobility of the year. This figure represents 3.7% more than the 100 million of the previous year. Again, August leads the forecast with 54.5 million, while in July there will be about 49.7 million.
The DGT trusts that the same habits of previous years will be maintained, in which there have been staggered departures and returns, given that drivers do not leave en masse on the first and last day of each month. Now the journeys last for several consecutive days. This increase in circulation will be accompanied by an increase in surveillance by the Traffic Group of the Civil Guard and a reinforcement in the DGT management centers.
Operation Summer 2026 also includes four major special operations: the first summer Special Operation, which runs from July 3 to 5; Special Operation August 1 (July 31 to August 2), Special Operation August 15 (August 14 to 16) and Operation Summer Return (August 28 to 31). 15 less than last year.
The first Special Operation will begin on Friday, July 3 at 3:00 p.m. and will last until midnight on Sunday. 4.8 million long-distance trips are expected. In this case, the movements of those who begin their vacation will be added to the usual movements of a weekend, so there will be large delays during the afternoon of Friday and Sunday at the exits and entrances of large cities.
Traffic is also working on the security device for the total solar eclipse scheduled for August 12. This will lead to large movements towards the strip where 100% of this phenomenon will be seen, which will mean high concentrations of vehicles and people at the observation points, according to the DGT. The strip crosses Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, Navarra, La Rioja, Castilla y León, Community of Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, Aragon, Catalonia, Valencian Community and the Balearic Islands.
During Operation Summer 2026, a common device such as the Strait Crossing is also added to the eclipse, which motivates thousands of drivers to cross the Peninsula from central Europe to head to North Africa. 3.5 million people and about 800,000 vehicles are expected. The operation includes permanent surveillance of the main itineraries used by these travelers, especially the Mediterranean and Central corridors and the Vía de la Plata.
To guarantee safety, as has been done in other years, two rest areas and five signposted and staffed information points have been set up. The Border Information System also remains active, with more than 2,400 variable message panels along the entire route, and more than 2,000 cameras are deployed that provide information. DGT.
This device runs parallel to the so-called Operation Portugal Pass, in which it is estimated that some 270,000 vehicles will travel to the neighboring country.
Special campaigns
Traffic has already been launched that takes place every weekend until October, with the aim of reducing the high mortality of this vehicle segment. One in four deaths on the roads are motorcyclists. In the surveillance campaign, special emphasis will be placed on speed limits, overtaking, the correct use of helmets and other risky behaviors.
Two others will be added to this campaign during the summer period. From July 13 to 19, there will be a special control of alcohol and drug consumption on conventional roads (one lane in each direction of travel) and on high-occupancy roads (highways and highways). a factor that is present in more than 20% of fatal road accidents.
On the other hand, this will be the first summer with the obligation to carry the V-16 to pre-signal any incident that occurs on the road and forces the vehicle to stop. The General Director of Traffic, Pere Navarro, already announced during a recent appearance at the Road Safety Commission of Congress that this device. According to data from the DGT, an average of 69,000 incidents are recorded each month on interurban roads thanks to the use of the V-16, which connects directly with the traffic management centers and allows other users to be notified through the navigators and the light panels on the roads.
The DGT has asked for maximum respect for traffic rules to avoid road accidents. During the weekends, trips to tourist places and second homes tend to increase. Circulation increases if it also coincides with the beginning of the month or the second fortnight. Added to these movements is the increase in sports activities and greater traffic on secondary roads. Night travel and the presence of cyclists and pedestrians on the roads are also increasing.
The DGT always recommends, before starting the trip, to plan it along the safest route to avoid unforeseen events and to find out about the state of the roads. From social networks, radio and television news bulletins and the 011 telephone number, information will be provided on the traffic situation in real time and any incidents that may exist. The entire established device, as well as traffic advice, can be consulted at dgt.es.
The General Directorate of Traffic has the telephone 018 to assist victims of road accidents. It offers information, guidance and support to victims and their families. It is free, accessible, with national coverage and is served in more than 50 languages. It operates between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. every day of the week. You can also contact us by WhatsApp at number 645 713 823, at victimatrafico@dgt.es or on the DGT website.
