1. What’s Changing

From 1 January 2026, Spain is changing the rules on how you signal a breakdown or accident at the roadside. The traditional red warning triangles we’ve all had in the boot for years will be phased out and replaced by a new device called a V16 emergency beacon. This is part of a nationwide safety drive from the DGT (Spain’s traffic authority) to reduce accidents and near-misses when drivers have to stop on the hard shoulder or in a live lane.

2. What is the V16?

A V16 is a small, flashing amber light that you place on the roof of your vehicle if you break down. It’s designed to be visible 360º and from up to 1km away, even in bad weather, so other drivers can see you much sooner than they might spot a low triangle on the road. Crucially, you can activate and place it without having to walk behind your car on a busy carriageway, which is where many of the current risks come from.

3. What do I have to do?

The new law doesn’t just require any flashing light – it specifically requires a connected V16 beacon. The approved models contain a built-in SIM and geolocation chip which automatically send your vehicle’s position to the DGT’s “3.0” traffic platform when you switch them on. Importantly, the beacon does not track you personally: you don’t need to register it, and it only transmits the location of the light itself while it is switched on, not your identity or driving history. That information can then be shared with roadside panels, navigation systems and, where needed, emergency services, so other drivers get an early warning that there’s a stationary vehicle ahead.

4. By When?

Until 31 December 2025 you can still use your existing warning triangles, or a non-connected V16, and you won’t be fined for not having the new device yet. From 1 January 2026, however, only a DGT-approved connected V16 will be accepted by law, and using the wrong type (or having nothing at all) can lead to a fine as well as reduced protection if you break down. Over on TKO Radio we’ll keep reminding listeners of the deadline and sharing practical tips on how to choose a legal beacon and where to keep it in the car so it’s ready when you need it.