Several major wildfires this summer have been traced to vehicles, raising questions about fire prevention on Spanish roads. Electric cars often take the blame, but studies show they are not the basic culprits. Drivers are also asking whether they can or should carry a fire extinguisher to stop a small fire before it spreads.
Spanish law does not prohibit carrying a fire extinguisher in a private vehicle, and an extinguisher is not generally compulsory in an ordinary passenger car. The rules depend on the vehicle category: requirements for buses or heavier commercial vehicles do not automatically apply to private cars. Anyone who chooses to carry one should secure it so it cannot become a hazard during sudden braking or a collision.
Legal Requirements and Exceptions
Vehicle equipment requirements are set out in the Reglamento General de Vehículos, approved by Real Decreto 2822/1998, rather than in the general traffic rules of the Reglamento General de Circulación. Its Annex XII specifies equipment for particular vehicle classes, including fire extinguishers for certain buses and mixed-use vehicles, as well as heavy goods vehicles. The obligation is category-specific, not a general requirement for every car.
Roadside signaling is a separate requirement. The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) identifies the connected V16 beacon as the only legal means of signaling an immobilized vehicle on the road from 1 January 2026. The beacon has a different purpose from a fire extinguisher, so carrying one does not replace the required signaling equipment. Drivers should also have a reflective vest available as part of their safety equipment.
For an ordinary private car, taking an extinguisher to an ITV inspection is not, by itself, a legal problem. What matters is whether the vehicle’s category requires one and whether any equipment carried inside is safely secured.
Practical Considerations
A portable extinguisher may help if a fire is spotted early and is still small, but personal safety comes first. If flames are spreading or occupants may be at risk, leave the vehicle, move to a safe distance and call emergency services. Never treat an extinguisher as a substitute for evacuation or professional help.
A fire in the engine compartment or cabin can quickly exceed what a small portable extinguisher can control. The same is true of a fire involving an electric vehicle’s traction battery. In those circumstances, get everyone away from the vehicle and alert emergency services instead of trying to tackle the fire.
Context and Trends
Interest in vehicle safety features is growing, and recent surveys show that comfort and safety equipment rank among car buyers’ top priorities. For example, a recent study highlighted how drivers increasingly value features that improve comfort and security.
Drivers may carry a fire extinguisher in a private car in Spain, but it is not generally a legal requirement for ordinary passenger vehicles. The Reglamento General de Vehículos sets extinguisher requirements for specific vehicle categories. From 1 January 2026, the connected V16 beacon will have a separate role in roadside signaling. Any extinguisher carried should be secured so it cannot endanger occupants.
For now, carrying an extinguisher in a private car remains a personal choice guided by practical safety considerations, not a general legal obligation. The applicable vehicle-equipment rules determine requirements for vehicles in regulated categories.
