Drivers in Spain have been warned of a new rule that is set to come into force in January 2026.
The country’s traffic authority (DGT) said a new accessory will become mandatory from next year in a bid to improve visibility and reduce accidents.
The Guardia Civil’s Trafico force will be monitoring cars and may impose fines for those found without the accessory.
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The device in question is a V16 emergency light; a yellow flashing light that can be kept in the glove compartment.
From next year, the accessory must be placed on the roof of your car if you break down or have an accident on the road.
The device’s flashing light is visible from a kilometre away and should be connected digitally to the DGT’s 3.0 platform.
This allows the platform to track your location in real time, so it can alert other drivers and reduce the risk of collisions.
The V16 will be the only legal means of warning of a breakdown or accident starting January 1, 2026, replacing the tradition emergency triangles.
The device has a battery life of up to 18 months and includes the geolocation service with a minimum lifespan of 12 years, without the need for any additional fees or subscriptions.
It must be placed inside the car within an arm’s reach of the driver in case of an accident.
They must be present in cars, vans, buses and all vehicles used to transport goods. Not having one could result in fines of €80.
Failure to have the device and leaving your vehicle without a reflective vest would see the sanction increase to €200 and result in four points being deducted from your licence.
Find out more about what devices are compatible on the DGT website here.
