From January 2026, every car registered in Spain must carry a certified V16 emergency beacon that connects to the DGT network. The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has made it the only legal way to signal a breakdown or accident, replacing warning triangles that required people to step onto the road in risky conditions. Drivers who fail to comply can be fined.
The rule applies to all cars and commercial vehicles registered in Spain, including vans, trucks and buses. Each V16 beacon must be officially approved and connected, with enough charge to work at any moment. If your device isn’t certified or can’t connect, it no longer counts, even if you bought it recently.
Fines for not carrying or improperly using a certified V16 beacon range from €80 to €200, depending on the specific violation.
The V16 beacon handles two tasks. When switched on, it flashes a bright 360-degree warning light visible from far away and sends your car’s exact location to the DGT 3.0 platform. Other drivers and emergency services then receive real-time alerts about stopped vehicles, without requiring you to leave your car to set up the device.
The DGT says the beacon should be stored in the glove compartment or another easy-to-reach spot, with enough battery or charge to work immediately. Connectivity is included for at least 12 years, so no subscription or app is needed. The DGT keeps a public list of certified models. Using a beacon that isn’t certified or connected is treated the same as having no emergency signal at all.
The DGT has clarified that the V16 beacon can be moved between vehicles, provided they aren’t used at the same time. Keep the device charged and ready for use. This flexibility is intended to help families or businesses with multiple cars, but each vehicle must have access to a compliant beacon when on the road.
The basic reason for the change is safety. With the old triangles, drivers had to walk along the roadside, often in bad weather or heavy traffic, to place them far enough from the car. You can set the V16 on the roof or another high spot without leaving your seat, reducing the risk of being hit by passing vehicles. Several incidents in which people were struck while setting up triangles prompted the DGT to rethink roadside safety rules.
If you’re wondering about other required items, the DGT has made it clear: first aid kits are not mandatory, but the V16 beacon is now impressive. More details here.
Check your beacon’s charge regularly. A dead battery could mean a fine and, more importantly, no help in a real emergency. Most models use replaceable or rechargeable batteries, but the basic is to keep them ready. The DGT’s official list of approved devices is the safest way to choose one.
The V16 rule replaces an old roadside practice. The DGT’s focus on connectivity and certification responds directly to preventable deaths and injuries on Spanish roads.
