Spain replaces the warning triangle with the V-16 beacon from 1 January 2026

Since 1 January 2026, Spain has swapped the familiar warning triangle, considered too dangerous, for a more modern and practical alternative.

For generations, the warning triangle has been an essential companion for motorists facing a breakdown. Positioned several dozen metres in front of a broken-down or crashed vehicle, it warned other road users of an immediate hazard. Its time is now coming to an end, at least in Spain, where this device, deemed too risky, is being replaced by a more up-to-date solution.

Warning triangle replaced by the V-16 beacon in Spain

From 1 January 2026, Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic has required vehicles to carry a V-16 beacon. This light can be placed on the vehicle’s roof without the driver having to get out, warning of danger and making the vehicle instantly visible following an accident or breakdown.

The V-16 warning beacon officially came into force on 1 July 2021. Since then, it has existed alongside the conventional advance-warning triangle. Although both devices remained permitted until January 2026, the V-16 beacon is now the only authorised option.

How the V-16 emergency beacon improves safety

This compact emergency flashing light attaches magnetically, allowing the driver to place it on the roof in just a few seconds. Unlike a warning triangle, there is no need to leave the vehicle or walk several metres along the road, sometimes in critically poor visibility, to set up the device.

Another benefit of the V-16 emergency beacon is its built-in GPS, which automatically sends the vehicle’s location to the emergency services. From 1 January, this new equipment is therefore mandatory for every vehicle registered in Spain.

V-16 beacon rules for foreign drivers in Spain

To the question, “will this requirement also apply to foreign drivers travelling in Spain?”, the answer for now is no. Spanish authorities have confirmed that foreign-registered vehicles do not need to carry a V-16 beacon, provided they have a warning triangle, as French regulations already require.

More recently, a study commissioned by the UK Department for Transport highlighted another issue: car headlights may also have become too dangerous.