Got your V16 beacon ready? It’s nearly time to say goodbye to warning triangles

If you’ve been driving in Spain for a while, you probably still keep a pair of reflective triangles in your boot — a long-standing requirement many of us carried “just in case”.

Back in March, we published an overview of Spain’s upcoming changes to emergency signalling, which you can revisit here: Everything you need to know about the new V-16 emergency beacons.

With the deadline approaching, the transition is becoming real: from 1 January 2026, warning triangles will be replaced by the V16 emergency beacon as the only accepted way to signal a breakdown on Spanish roads.

Why Spain is replacing warning triangles with the V16 Beacon in 2026

Walking along the hard shoulder to place warning triangles can be extremely dangerous. The V16 beacon reduces that risk completely:

• You stay inside the car
• You keep your seatbelt on
• You place the device on the roof without stepping onto the road

A safer and more efficient system during breakdowns.

How the V16 regulation in Spain compares with the rest of Europe

Spain is the first EU country to make a connected V16 beacon compulsory. Most neighbouring countries still rely on triangles:

• France, Portugal, Italy and Germany continue to require triangles
• The UK recommends them but does not make them mandatory
• Nordic countries still use triangles, though visibility concerns are being discussed

Important if you travel abroad:

• In Spain → V16 will be mandatory
• In other countries → triangles may still be required

For anyone driving across borders, keeping both is the simplest solution.

Driving in Spain after 2026: What changes?

Once the new rules take effect:

• Warning triangles will no longer be accepted.
• The V16 beacon becomes the only legal emergency signal.
• The device must be stored within reach, ideally the glove compartment.

If you regularly cross borders by car, keep triangles handy — they remain compulsory in most other countries.

What to do with your old warning triangles as Spain moves forward

If you recently purchased triangles, no pasa nada — they may still be useful:

• Keep them for foreign travel.
• Repurpose them on private property if needed.
• Just avoid relying on them for Spanish roads once the V16 becomes mandatory.

The V16 will be your essential emergency tool going forward.

Buying a V16 emergency light in Spain: Common mistakes you should avoid

As the deadline approaches, the market is full of “V16-style” lights — and not all are legitimate. Expats are particularly vulnerable to misleading labels.

Here are the mistakes to avoid:

1. Being convinced by vague packaging
   Terms like “V16 type” mean nothing legally.
2. Assuming any flashing light will count
   The approved system requires connectivity, not just brightness.
3. Choosing based solely on low price
   Cheaper models often lack certification or long-term connectivity.
4. Storing the beacon in the boot
   If you can’t reach it from the driver’s seat, it defeats the purpose.

How to identify an approved V16 beacon

Only models listed on the DGT’s official website — matching the exact certified model name — are valid for 2026.

Why you should start using the V16 Emergency Beacon now

With only a short time left before the rule change comes into force, switching to a V16 beacon sooner rather than later simply makes life easier:

• Roadside assistance teams are already familiar with the new system and increasingly expect drivers to use one.
• Approved models may become harder to find as January approaches, so securing a certified beacon now avoids last-minute stress.
• Having the V16 in your glove compartment before the deadline means you’ll be fully prepared the first time you need it — without learning under pressure.

It’s a small change, but one that makes your emergency kit safer and more up to date.

FAQs about the V16 beacon in Spain

Do I still need warning triangles in Spain after 2026?

No. From 1 January 2026, triangles will no longer be accepted. Only the V16 beacon will be valid.

Is the V16 beacon compulsory for all drivers in Spain?

Yes. All vehicles driven in Spain must carry an approved V16 beacon from 2026.

Can I still use my UK or EU warning triangle when travelling abroad?

Yes. Most European countries still require triangles, so keep them for international trips.

Staying safe on the road with the right car insurance

Regulations may change, but safety remains essential, especially for expatriates navigating a different country’s roads.

At Generali Expatriates, we offer car insurance designed specifically for foreign drivers in Spain, with multilingual support and cover that keeps you protected from unexpected incidents, breakdowns and roadside emergencies.

If you’d like personalised advice or a quote, you can contact your nearest expat agent or broker, or simply fill in our short form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We’ll be happy to help.