Spain replaces warning triangle: The V-16 warning light will come from 2026!

Spain replaces warning triangle: The V-16 warning light will come from 2026!

Spain is facing a significant change in traffic law that will come into force from January 1, 2026. From this date, the traditional warning triangle will be replaced by a modern V-16 warning light. The Spanish transport authority DGT has decided on this step to increase safety on the roads and counteract the risks of setting up warning triangles in the event of breakdowns or accidents. The DGT emphasizes that the new regulation applies to all vehicles registered in Spain.

The V-16 warning light is a portable, flashing orange light similar to emergency vehicle warning lights and is visible over a range of up to one kilometer. This device emits a 360° visible flashing light and can operate for at least 30 minutes. Unlike the warning triangle, which requires exiting the vehicle, the V-16 warning light allows for secure placement on the vehicle roof without the driver having to exit. This increases safety, especially in poor visibility conditions.

Technical details of the V-16 warning light

The warning light works with either a battery or a rechargeable power source and has a lifespan of at least 18 months. It must be kept in the glove compartment of the vehicle and should ensure that the battery power is sufficient. Each device must comply with certain standards and have a connection to the DGT 3.0 platform to automatically transmit the vehicle's position to the traffic authority and emergency services every 100 seconds.

Data protection is also taken into account: only the location is transmitted, and the transmission ends immediately as soon as the flashing light is switched off. While the use of the V-16 warning light is mandatory on motorways and expressways, the warning triangle remains permitted on country roads and in inner-city areas. Nevertheless, the DGT also recommends using the warning light on these roads to increase safety.

For German drivers in Spain

German holidaymakers traveling to Spain with their own vehicle can still use their German warning triangle as the new regulations only apply to vehicles registered in Spain. However, rental cars in Spain must be equipped with the V-16 warning light. When picking up the vehicle, vacationers should definitely make sure that this is available. To avoid fines, it is also advisable to find out about the approval of certain V-16 warning lights that are included in the official DGT list.

Overall, the introduction of the V-16 warning light aims to increase road safety and reduce the number of accidents. Until the new warning light is legally introduced, both warning triangles and some non-connectable V-16 warning lights will continue to be permitted until January 1, 2026.