V16 emergency beacons in Spain: everything drivers need to know

Updated on 13 October 2026

Since 1 January 2026, connected V16 emergency beacons have replaced warning triangles as the required warning device for immobilised vehicles covered by Spanish regulations.

The idea is straightforward: instead of getting out of the car and walking along the road to put out a warning triangle, drivers can activate a small flashing beacon and place it on the vehicle in seconds.

There is one important catch. Not every V16 beacon is valid. To comply with the rules now in force, it must be a connected, certified model included on the official list published by Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic, the DGT.

If you drive in Spain, here is what you need to know about V16 beacons, how they work and how to check that yours is legal.

What is a V16 emergency beacon?

A V16 is a portable yellow warning light used when a vehicle has broken down, been involved in an accident or become immobilised for another reason.

Once switched on, it emits a high-intensity flashing light that can be seen from all directions and, in favourable conditions, from up to one kilometre away.

Approved connected models also send the vehicle’s location to the DGT 3.0 traffic platform. This means the incident can be flagged digitally as well as visually, allowing information to reach other road users through connected navigation systems, mobility apps, in-car systems and roadside signs.

Why has the V16 replaced warning triangles?

The main reason is safety.

Putting out warning triangles often meant leaving the vehicle and walking along the carriageway or hard shoulder, sometimes in poor visibility or fast-moving traffic.

A V16 removes much of that risk. It can usually be activated and placed on the highest accessible part of the vehicle without the driver having to walk along the road.

It also does something a warning triangle cannot. As well as alerting nearby traffic with a flashing light, a connected V16 sends the position of the immobilised vehicle to the DGT’s connected traffic system.

Is a V16 beacon mandatory in Spain?

For vehicles registered in Spain that fall within the categories covered by the rules, yes. Since 1 January 2026, a certified connected V16 has been the required warning device for an immobilised vehicle.

Older, non-connected V16 lights no longer meet the requirement, even if they were permitted before 2026. Warning triangles are also no longer a substitute for the connected V16 for vehicles subject to the Spanish system.

There is, however, an important distinction for vehicles registered outside Spain and travelling here in international circulation. We cover that further down.

Which vehicles need to carry a V16 beacon?

The requirement applies to vehicle categories including:

• passenger cars;
• mixed-use vehicles;
• buses; and
• vehicles used to transport goods.

The beacon should be kept somewhere you can reach easily from inside the vehicle, rather than buried in the boot under luggage. The glove compartment is an obvious choice.

It is also worth checking the device from time to time to make sure the battery or power supply is still in good condition.

What does an approved V16 beacon need to do?

Not every product advertised as a V16 beacon is approved for legal use in Spain.

A certified connected V16 must meet the technical requirements set out under Spanish regulations. Among other things, it must:

• emit a high-intensity 360-degree flashing light;
• remain illuminated for at least 30 minutes;
• provide sufficient visibility to warn approaching traffic;
• transmit the location of the immobilised vehicle;
• work without depending on the driver’s mobile phone or an external app; and
• be officially certified for use in Spain.

Approved devices have their own connectivity built in, so there is no need to arrange a separate mobile contract.

Before buying one, check the exact make and model against the official DGT list of certified connected V16 devices.

How does a connected V16 beacon work?

When you switch the beacon on, it does two jobs.

First, the flashing light makes the vehicle easier to spot. At the same time, the device sends its location to the DGT 3.0 traffic platform.

The beacon does not track the vehicle while you are driving. It only sends its position when it is activated.

You do not need to register the device with the DGT, install an app or provide personal information for the location function to work.

Does a V16 beacon call the emergency services?

No. A connected V16 reports the location of the immobilised vehicle to the traffic system, but it does not automatically call the police, an ambulance or roadside assistance.

If anyone is injured or you need emergency help, you should still call 112. For a breakdown, you will also need to contact your roadside assistance provider in the usual way.

If you are involved in a collision, our guide to what to do if you have a car accident in Spain takes you through the main steps.

How to use a V16 beacon

If your car breaks down or you are involved in an accident, move the vehicle out of the traffic lane if you can do so safely. 

If it cannot be moved:

1. Switch on your hazard warning lights.
2. Take the V16 beacon from its storage place inside the car.
3. Switch it on.
4. Place it on the highest visible part of the vehicle that you can reach safely, ideally the roof.
5. Call 112 if emergency assistance is needed, or contact your roadside assistance provider in the event of a breakdown.

The aim is to make the vehicle as visible as possible without putting yourself at greater risk.

If your car has a glass roof, aluminium bodywork or another surface that does not hold a magnetic beacon securely, check the manufacturer’s instructions for the safest alternative position.

How can I check whether my V16 is approved?

With so many V16 products being sold online and in shops, it is worth checking rather than assuming.

The safest option is to look up the exact make and model on the DGT’s official list of certified connected V16 devices.

Certified products also carry information linked to their testing and certification.

If you still have an older non-connected V16 beacon, it is no longer valid as the required warning device under the rules in force since 1 January 2026.

You should also check any expiry information shown on the device or packaging and make sure the battery or power source is still usable.

Does a V16 beacon need any maintenance?

Very little, but it should not simply disappear into the glove compartment for years without being checked.

Depending on the model, the beacon may use replaceable batteries or a rechargeable battery. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and check the power supply periodically.

It is also worth making sure everyone who regularly drives the car knows where the beacon is kept and how to use it. In an emergency, that is more useful than having to work it out for the first time at the side of a busy road.

Can I still use warning triangles in Spain?

For vehicles covered by the Spanish V16 rules, warning triangles no longer replace a connected V16. Since 1 January 2026, the connected beacon has been the required device.

There is, however, a different position for some foreign-registered vehicles.

What if I am driving a foreign-registered vehicle in Spain?

Different rules may apply to vehicles registered outside Spain when they are travelling here under international circulation rules.

According to the DGT, a vehicle registered in another country and travelling in Spain in international circulation may use warning triangles or equivalent warning equipment required by its country of registration.

Spanish-registered vehicles travelling abroad may also use their connected V16 in countries covered by the relevant international road traffic agreements.

This is particularly relevant for expats, second-home owners and drivers who regularly travel between Spain and other European countries.

For a fuller explanation, see our guide to V16 beacons in Spain for foreign drivers.

If you live in Spain and are still driving a vehicle with foreign plates, you may also find our guide to registering a foreign-plated car in Spain useful.

Frequently asked questions about V16 beacons in Spain

Can I still use an old non-connected V16 beacon?

No. Since 1 January 2026, non-connected V16 devices are no longer valid as the recognised warning device for vehicles covered by the Spanish rules.

Do I need to register my V16 with the DGT?

No. There is no need to register the beacon or provide personal details to the DGT.

Do I need an app?

No. A certified connected V16 has the technology it needs to send its location without relying on your mobile phone.

Does the beacon track my location all the time?

No. It only sends its position when the device is activated.

Does it automatically call 112?

No. If you need emergency help, you must still call 112 yourself.

Where should I keep it?

Somewhere inside the passenger compartment where you can reach it quickly, such as the glove compartment.

How do I know whether mine is legal?

Check the exact make and model against the DGT’s official list of certified connected V16 devices.

Driving in Spain: staying safe and properly covered

Traffic rules change, and some of the differences can catch out drivers who are new to Spain.

If you live here, it is worth knowing not only what equipment you are expected to carry, but also what to do after an accident, what documents you need and how car insurance works.

Our guide to car insurance in Spain for expats covers the main points, from compulsory insurance and cover options to accidents, ITV inspections and other practical issues for international drivers. 

Generali Expatriates offers car insurance with different levels of cover and access to a network of more than 200 brokers and agents who can help you in your language.

To find the cover that suits you, locate your nearest broker or agent or request a quote and one of our experts will be in touch.