Plans to restrict buggy safaris and other organised off-road excursions in Lanzarote remain stalled almost a year after they were initially approved, with the proposed regulations still not in force.
Teguise Council initially approved the new rules on 14th November 2025 following complaints about organised excursions using rural roads and tracks, particularly around Guatiza.
The regulations would affect buggies, quads, trial motorcycles and other off-road vehicles operating in rural areas.
However, the ordinance has yet to receive final approval, meaning buggy excursions have not been banned and can continue operating.
Delays in approving new regulations
The proposed rules were designed to establish clearer controls over where organised off-road excursions could operate within the municipality.
A public consultation period followed the initial approval and ended in January 2026, during which objections were submitted.
Those objections remain unresolved, preventing the regulations from progressing towards final approval.
In March, council officials also requested reports from Spain's Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) and the Lanzarote Cabildo as part of the approval process.
According to some sources, reports had still not been received at the time of publication, leaving the proposed restrictions in limbo.
Concerns over noise and environmental damage
Organised buggy excursions have become a popular activity among tourists visiting Lanzarote, offering an alternative way to explore the island's volcanic landscapes and rural areas.
However, their popularity has also led to complaints from residents and environmental groups concerned about noise, disturbance and the potential impact of repeated vehicle movements on rural tracks.
The area around Guatiza has been particularly affected by concerns about organised off-road excursions.
The proposed regulations aim to balance the interests of tourism businesses with the need to protect rural communities and environmentally sensitive areas.
Wider plans to regulate buggy excursions
The issue is not limited to Teguise.
The Lanzarote Cabildo has separately announced plans for a public consultation on regulating buggy use in natural areas across the island.
These discussions reflect growing concerns about the impact of adventure tourism on Lanzarote's distinctive volcanic landscape, which is itself one of the island's main attractions.
For now, buggy safaris remain permitted, with the proposed restrictions still awaiting final approval.
It remains unclear when the outstanding reports and objections will be resolved or when the new regulations could come into force.
