Spain's New Roadside Safety Rule from 1 January 2026 — Replace Triangles with V-16 Beacon

Venetia House
Oct 6
2 min read

New Roadside Safety Rule from 1 January 2026 — Transition period Triangles with V-16 Beacon Spain

From 1 January 2026, Spanish law will require all Spanish-registered vehicles to carry a DGT-approved emergency V-16 beacon Spain instead of the traditional warning triangles.

This new rule, issued by the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), aims to improve safety for drivers stopped on the roadside by allowing them to signal a breakdown without leaving the vehicle.

What Is the V-16 Beacon

The V-16 is a compact flashing amber roof beacon that replaces the need to place warning triangles behind your vehicle. It can be activated from inside the car, flashing 360° to alert other drivers — a much safer option on motorways and high-speed roads.

Technical Requirements

Approved V-16 beacons must meet DGT standards for:

360° amber flashing light visible in all directions
Minimum battery life and autonomous operation time
Weather resistance
DGT 3.0 connectivity, which sends your vehicle’s location directly to the DGT when activated

Only V16 Beacon models certified for use in Spain and connected to the DGT 3.0 system will be legally valid.

Transition Period

You can continue using traditional warning triangles until 31 December 2025, but from 1 January 2026 only the V-16 beacon will be legally accepted.

Drivers who do not carry a compliant beacon could face fines reported between €80 – €200.

The DGT Recommends

Buy your beacon now: Choose a DGT-approved model listed as compliant with DGT 3.0 connectivity.
Check certification: Ensure the model is officially approved for use in Spain.
Keep it charged and handy: Store it in your glovebox so it’s ready when needed.
Learn how to use it safely: Practise activating it from inside your vehicle.