Lorraine Williamson
Spain’s roads are entering a new era of roadside safety. From 1 January 2026, the classic red warning triangle will no longer fulfil the legal requirement for signalling a stopped vehicle. Instead, drivers must carry a specially certified and connected beacon: the V16 emergency light.
The move marks more than a regulatory change. It represents a shift in mindset, combining visibility and digital connectivity to reduce risks on hard shoulders and high-speed roads.
Why the triangle’s time is up
The traditional warning triangle was introduced in Spain in 1999. It served for decades as the go-to device to alert other road-users of an immobilised vehicle. But mounting data exposed a major flaw. Placing the triangle often meant the driver needed to exit their car and walk tens of metres along live traffic lanes—an inherently dangerous act. The new regulation from Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) closes this chapter: from the stated date only the connected V16 will be legal.
How the V16 beacon works
The connected V16 is a compact, amber flashing device designed to be placed (ideally) on the vehicle’s roof without the driver needing to step onto the carriageway. As soon as it is activated, two things happen. First, the beacon begins flashing a high-intensity 360-degree light visible up to 1 km in favourable conditions. Then, it transmits the vehicle’s precise location to the DGT’s traffic-management platform.
This dual function – visual and digital – means other drivers, navigation systems and roadside variable-message signs can be alerted in real-time, and emergency services or breakdown operators can respond more swiftly.
Day-light performance: enhanced visibility in bright sunlight
One common concern with flashing-beacon systems is how effective they are in bright sunlight. The connected V16 addresses this in multiple ways. First, the flashing amber light is engineered to catch the eye even in broad daylight, thanks to its intensity and 360-degree coverage. According to the DGT’s own technical specification document, under “conditions favourable” it can be seen from ~1 km away.
Second, the added “virtual visibility” means that even if ambient light reduces contrast, the location signal is transmitted digitally to other road-users and traffic-control systems. This layer of connectivity boosts safety regardless of lighting conditions. While no device is wholly impervious to low-contrast situations (for example bright glare, snow or direct sun), the combination of visual signal plus connectivity significantly improves on the triangle’s performance, which has no digital component and relies purely on daylight contrast and reflective surfaces.
Who and what vehicles must comply
The rule covers all vehicles registered in Spain and detailed under the General Vehicle Regulations. That means standard passenger cars, goods-vehicles, buses and mixed-use vehicles fall under the obligation. Motorcycles and certain specialist vehicles are typically exempt, though many safety organisations recommend use nonetheless. For foreign-plated vehicles temporarily on Spanish roads the triangle remains legal until broader harmonisation is achieved. However, the DGT advises adoption of the V16 for better safety.
What to look for when buying a certified V16
Not all beacon-lights are equal. From 2026 only devices approved by the DGT (per Real Decreto 159/2021) and listed on their website will meet legal requirements. Key features include: connectivity via NB-IoT or equivalent, geolocation module, magnetic or roof-mount compatible base, assured autonomy of at least 30 minutes when activated and 18 months in standby, and guaranteed connectivity for a period (typically 12 years) without extra subscription.
Countdown and what drivers must do now
While the deadline feels distant, the transition has already begun. Since mid-2023 the triangle became non-mandatory on motorways and dual-carriageways, although still permitted on conventional roads until the full switch. From 1 January 2026 only the connected V16 will be lawful. Non-compliance may result in fines (typically up to €200) and exclusion from valid signalling.
Drivers should purchase a certified device, keep it accessible in the glove-box, check its battery/charge annually and familiarise themselves with its placement in an emergency.
A step in Spain’s broader road-safety digital strategy
The V16 mandate is more than a gadget change; it signals Spain’s move toward connected mobility and smarter traffic-management. Integrating individual vehicles into the DGT 3.0 platform lays groundwork for future innovations—such as predictive traffic flow alerts, automated emergency signalling and improved roadside assistance systems.
What next for drivers and fleet-owners?
Fleet managers, car hire companies, driving-schools and private drivers alike should audit their current emergency-signalling kit now. The clock is ticking. Equip vehicles with certified connected V16 beacons, remove reliance on triangles, and ensure training in correct activation and placement. Daylight, glare and high-speed conditions remain areas of risk. Consequently, this shift will help reduce roadside accidents and improve response times.
In short: the triangle era ends, and Spain’s roads enter a smarter, safer chapter in January 2026. The question is not if, but when you will make sure you’re ready.