V-16 Beacon light to Replace Warning Triangles

Spanish motorists need to upgrade their emergency kit

What UK Drivers Need to Know Before 2026

If you’re heading to Spain with your car in 2026, forget the old red warning triangle, a new bit of kit will soon be law. From 1 January 2026, all vehicles on Spanish roads must carry a connected V-16 emergency beacon instead. This is a major shift in roadside safety, designed to cut the risk for stranded drivers and improve real-time alerts for road authorities. And yes, it applies to UK drivers too.

So, what’s changing, and what do you need to do to stay legal (and safe) on Spanish roads?

The Current Situation (Until 31 December 2025)

Right now, Spain allows two legal options if you break down or need to alert other drivers to a hazard:

The traditional warning triangle, or
A V-16 emergency beacon (but it doesn’t yet have to be the connected version).

That means, until the end of 2025, if you’re driving in Spain, you’re still within the law using a triangle – though a V-16 beacon is strongly recommended.

V-16 beacons are already available and becoming common on Spanish roads. They’re quicker to deploy, far safer, and you can activate them from inside your car – no need to risk stepping into traffic to place a triangle 50 metres behind your vehicle.

What Changes from 1 January 2026?

This is when the connected version of the V-16 beacon becomes mandatory for all vehicles in Spain, including those registered abroad. Warning triangles will no longer be legal as your primary breakdown signal.

Here’s what the new, compliant V-16 beacons must include:

DGT-approval: Only devices certified by Spanish authorities (marked with LCOE or IDIADA codes) are valid.
Built-in SIM & GPS: The beacon must automatically send your vehicle’s geolocation to the DGT 3.0 platform every 100 seconds while it’s active.
Highly visible lighting: It must flash 360 degrees in amber and be visible from at least 1 kilometre away.
Easy roof placement: You should be able to place it on the roof without leaving your seat – especially important if stopped on a motorway.

The device aims to improve emergency response times and alert other drivers in real time via connected infrastructure.

Does This Apply to UK-Registered Cars?

Yes, it does. While Spain hasn’t formally announced how they’ll enforce this with foreign vehicles, all the indications suggest that UK drivers will be expected to comply. If you’re driving your UK vehicle in Spain from 2026 onwards – whether it’s a hire car, your own car, or part of a road trip – it’s wise to carry a compliant beacon.

Several motoring bodies and legal commentators have confirmed that foreign drivers must follow Spain’s traffic laws, especially around safety kit. And with Spanish authorities recommending early adoption of the new devices, the writing’s on the wall.

Where to Buy a Compliant V-16 Beacon

Spain’s traffic authority (DGT) has published a full list of approved V-16 devices. These beacons are widely sold online, and some UK retailers are already offering compliant models. Look for brands like Roadflash, Netun, or Help Flash – but always double-check for the certification code (LCOE or IDIADA) on the unit itself.

The price? Expect to pay between £40 and £60. That’s a small price to avoid a fine – and potentially save your life.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

If you’re caught without the correct safety beacon from 1 January 2026, you could face fines ranging from €80 to €200.