Warning Triangles In Spain To Be Replaced By V16 Emergency Beacons By 2026

Spain is entering the final phase of its transition from traditional warning triangles to the new V16 emergency beacons. From 1 January 2026, the V16 beacon will become the only legally approved roadside warning device. This is one of the most significant safety changes the DGT has introduced in years, aimed at preventing drivers from stepping onto live carriageways to place or retrieve warning triangles.

What exactly is the V16 emergency beacon?

The V16 emergency beacon is a compact, roof-mounted warning light that emits an intense 360-degree flashing amber beam. Designed to be deployed from inside the car, it eliminates the most dangerous part of a breakdown: exiting the vehicle on high-speed roads.

Its job is simple — make your vehicle instantly visible to other motorists and signal your exact location to the DGT’s connected road network.

How does the V16 beacon work?

When activated, the beacon emits between 40–80 candelas of flashing light, ensuring visibility from a distance of at least one kilometre. The device’s 360-degree beam means drivers approaching from any angle can see the warning.

Most approved beacons also feature built-in geolocation. Every 100 seconds, the device transmits encrypted coordinates to the DGT 3.0 cloud platform. This allows traffic operators to:

– Warn other drivers using motorway information panels
– Adjust speed limits ahead of the hazard
– Improve emergency response times
– Reduce the likelihood of secondary collisions

Where should you place the beacon?

The beacon should be activated immediately and placed on the highest point of your vehicle’s roof. You must do this by lowering your window and reaching up from inside the vehicle. You should never step onto the road to place it — this is the key safety advantage over the triangles.

When does the V16 become mandatory?

You can use the beacon already, but from 1 January 2026 it becomes the only legal option. Traditional triangles and V16 lights without geolocation are allowed until 31 December 2025. After that, only DGT-approved, geolocation-enabled V16 units will be accepted.

What happens if you do not use the beacon after the deadline?

Failure to use the correct warning device once the regulation is fully active may be treated as a road safety violation. While the DGT has not yet published the final fine structure, current guidance suggests it would fall under the category of not securing a breakdown situation — potentially resulting in fines of around €200.

How to identify an approved V16 beacon

The market has exploded with cheap, non-approved devices. To ensure compliance in 2026, check that the beacon appears on the DGT’s official list and that the product labeling includes the required approval mark.

An approved unit must:

– Be water-resistant to at least IP54
– Emit a stable, uniform amber flashing light
– Offer 360-degree visibility
– Be detectable from 1 km away
– Use a long-life battery (minimum 12 years in many cases)
– Include connected geolocation technology
– Use encrypted communication compatible with DGT 3.0

How long does the battery last?

One of the biggest improvements over triangles is the long-life battery. Many certified V16 models guarantee 12 years of standby life without maintenance. This is because the beacon only needs to power up when activated and geolocated. The device should nonetheless be checked occasionally to ensure it has not been damaged or discharged.

What if DGT 3.0 is temporarily unavailable?

If the DGT’s connected network is offline (for example, during maintenance), the beacon will still operate normally as a visual warning device. The geolocation function will automatically reconnect and transmit location data once the service becomes available again. The light itself does not depend on mobile signal coverage.

Why is Spain removing the warning triangle?

Between 2019 and 2020, at least 28 drivers and passengers died after exiting their vehicles to place or retrieve warning triangles. A further four deaths were recorded in early 2021. Most of these incidents happened on high-speed roads where visibility was reduced or where drivers failed to anticipate the stopped vehicle. The V16 beacon is designed to eliminate this risk entirely.

Should you ever exit the vehicle?

You should only get out of the car if:

– There is a safe, protected space away from the traffic flow
– You can reach it without stepping onto an active road
– You can remain in that space while waiting for assistance

If none of these conditions are met, stay inside with your seat belt fastened.

Does the beacon replace your high-visibility vest?

No. The high-visibility vest requirement remains unchanged. You must keep one in the car, and if you exit the vehicle in a safe area, you must wear it. The V16 beacon only replaces the triangle — not the vest.

Are there fake V16 devices online?

Unfortunately, yes. Many cheap models advertised on marketplaces do not contain DGT-approved components and will not be legal in 2026. Buying a non-approved device could lead to fines later or leave you without a legal warning device in an emergency.

How much does a V16 cost?

The typical price range for a certified geolocation-enabled unit is between €35 and €50. Cheaper models without geolocation may still be sold, but they will not be valid after 1 January 2026.

Affordable health insurance and switching before renewals

Thinking about lowering your health insurance costs?

With the new year around the corner, now is the ideal time to review your cover. The Affordable Sanitas Health Insurance options offer strong protection at a sensible price — perfect for expats who drive regularly in Spain and want dependable cover without unnecessary extras.

If you’re unhappy with your current insurer or your renewal premium has jumped, you can also switch your health insurance provider easily before January. Many people do it at this time of year to lock in better value for the year ahead.

Sources

DGT – V16 Beacon Standards

DGT Revista