Gibraltar Traffic Law Update 2026: Responsibility Moves to the Registered Keeper
A clearer, fairer system for drivers, businesses and vehicle users
Gibraltar is preparing to introduce important changes to its traffic and transport laws. This Gibraltar traffic law update affects how responsibility for vehicles is defined and enforced. Once the new legislation is enacted, responsibility for many vehicle-related matters will no longer automatically sit with the legal owner, but with the registered keeper — where a registered keeper is recorded on the vehicle’s certificate of registration.
This update is designed to reflect how vehicles are actually used today, especially in cases involving leased, financed and company vehicles, and to make enforcement clearer and fairer for everyone.
What does “registered keeper” mean under this Gibraltar traffic law update?
The registered keeper is the person or business officially recorded on the vehicle’s certificate of registration as the one who keeps and uses the vehicle on a day-to-day basis. This may be different from the legal owner, such as:
A driver using a leased vehicle
A business operating a company car
An individual using a car under a finance agreement
Under the new law, the registered keeper is formally recognised in both the Traffic Act 2005 and the Transport Act 1998.
What is changing in practice with this Gibraltar traffic law update
Where a registered keeper is entered on the certificate of registration, the law will treat the registered keeper as the responsible person instead of the owner for many legal and enforcement purposes.
This includes responsibility for:
Traffic and parking fines
Vehicle defects and roadworthiness issues
Compliance with traffic and transport regulations
Notices, inspections and enforcement actions
In legal terms, references to the “owner” in the law will, in these cases, be read as references to the registered keeper.
With this Gibraltar traffic law update placing responsibility on the registered keeper, keeping your vehicle in top condition has never been more important.
👉 Book your car service today to ensure your vehicle remains safe, compliant and road-ready.
Why this Gibraltar traffic law update is a positive change
✔ Clear responsibility
The person or business actually using the vehicle is the one held responsible. This removes confusion and avoids delays caused by tracing responsibility through owners, lenders or leasing companies.
✔ Fairer enforcement
Fines and notices will go directly to the right person, making the system more transparent and effective.
✔ Fewer loopholes for leased and financed vehicles
The legislation specifically addresses vehicles under finance or leasing arrangements, ensuring that a registered keeper is recorded and accountable. This closes gaps that previously made enforcement difficult.
What drivers and businesses should do under the Gibraltar traffic law update
If you use a vehicle in Gibraltar and are not the legal owner, it is important to check whether you are listed as the registered keeper on the certificate of registration.
If you are the registered keeper, you are responsible for the vehicle’s compliance
If you operate a fleet or company vehicles, make sure registration details are accurate
If a vehicle is leased or financed, ensure the registered keeper has been correctly recorded
Keeping registration details up to date will help avoid misunderstandings or unexpected penalties
A modern approach introduced by this Gibraltar traffic law update
This reform brings Gibraltar in line with modern transport practices and international standards. It recognises the realities of vehicle use today and creates a system that is clearer, fairer and easier to understand.
The key message is simple:
If you are named as the registered keeper on the vehicle’s certificate of registration, the responsibility is yours.
Staying informed and ensuring your vehicle details are correct will help you navigate this Gibraltar traffic law update with confidence.
For those who would like to read the legislation in full, the changes are set out in the Traffic and Transport (Amendment) Bill 2026 (B.02/26), published in the Gibraltar Gazette on 8 January 2026.
This article provides a general overview only. For full legal detail, please refer to the official Bill.
