If you are driving through Spain!

[The laird]

This might interest some folks ,please Google for full explanation

 

[Fazerloz]

Thankfully not required for motorcycles ans scooters.

 

[TJBi]

Note in the second image that RoadFlash state: "From 1 January 2026, it’s mandatory for all vehicles. Foreign-registered vehicles are advised to do the same." This suggests that "all vehicles" does not include foreign-registered vehicles. This interpretation is supported by https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01...acons-compulsory-for-all-vehicles-from-today/ which states: "From 1 January 2026 every car, van, bus and truck registered in Spain must carry a connected V16 emergency beacon—spelling the end of the reflective triangles that have marked roadside breakdowns for decades."

https://www.majorcadailybulletin.co...-need-v16-beacon-spain-you-just-visiting.html : "The Spanish traffic authority (DGT) recognises the V16 as a replacement for triangles, but this obligation is limited to vehicles registered in Spain. International conventions, such as the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, and mutual recognition of vehicle certifications mean that foreign-registered vehicles can continue following their country’s rules. Temporary visitors cannot be forced to carry a V16 beacon while driving in Spain."

https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/11/...ion-these-cars-wont-have-to-carry-it-in-2026/ :

"The part that’s catching everyone off-guard is this: foreign-registered cars do NOT have to carry a V16 beacon.

Anyone driving into Spain with plates from France, the UK, Germany, Morocco – or any other country – can continue to use the traditional warning triangles without any issue. They will not be fined.

Why? Because Spain cannot impose its own technical rules on vehicles registered abroad. International circulation agreements make that crystal clear. Spain may have decided to lead the way by making the connected V16 mandatory, but it cannot force visiting vehicles to adopt the same system."

 

[zzr1400tim]

my only question is..
WTF is a V16 beacon?

 

[colinm]

 

[Fazerloz]

my only question is..
WTF is a V16 beacon?

It's so they can track you.

 

[r4dent]

To put this into perspective a beacon costs £5 to £10 ,
Typically 10 x 10 x 10 cm and weighs 100 gram.

 

[trevskoda]

Use Google, you must be joking.

 

[jacquigem]

If buying a beacon ,try to make sure its approved, there are a lot of non approved beacons out there.

 

[alcam]

I'm sure there was a thread about this not so long ago .
Advisory for us foreigners but probably no harm , long term , buying the beacon

 

[TeamRienza]

From my reading of the situation, only Spanish registered vehicles must by law carry and use a V16 light. Foreigners like us can continue to use 2 triangles.

To comply with Spanish law residents must purchase a GPS enabled version. My research last year indicated that this function would be used on motorways only for safety and will not ordinarily alert emergency services.

As outsiders, it probably is wise to consider buying one since in time it will become something that other drivers will recognise and better and safer than triangles.

Just be aware that the £5 versions will be unlikely to have the GPS facility. You probably need to spend at least £25 for a Spanish approved one.

Traffic Authority Clarifies V-16 Light Rules for Foreign Vehicles in Spain - Spanish Traffic Law

Spain’s DGT (Traffic Department) has published an official instruction to clarify the use of the V-16 emergency warning light for vehicles registered in other countries — whether they’re on holiday or just passing through This 3-page document explains that: Foreign-registered vehicles driving in...

spanishtrafficlaw.n332.es

Are You Ready for the V16 Beacon That Will Replace Warning Triangles from 2026?

Discover the shift to the V16 beacon for roadside safety and how it affects drivers and logistics. Learn more on GetTransport.com.

blog.gettransport.com

Davy

 

[bartman]

I'm sure there was a thread about this not so long ago .
Advisory for us foreigners but probably no harm , long term , buying the beacon

Yes there was, and that was the conclusion that was arrived at. I can't remember whether it was on here or Motorhomer.
I shall continue to carry the triangle for now, but what's that about two triangles?

 

[Jo001]

I bought one. It's in the van, fortunately not been needed yet. As I remember, charging it was a little bit niggly, the USB socket wasn't that easy to get at. Maybe it's to do with being weatherproof? However, I liked that it switched itself on as soon as it made contact with the van body, and although it isn't mandatory it feels like a good investment. It wasn't expensive, I'm pleased with the purchase.

 

[colinm]

I'm sure there was a thread about this not so long ago .
Advisory for us foreigners but probably no harm , long term , buying the beacon

It was first posted about on here a year ago.

 

[TeamRienza]

Historically in Spain if you broke down it was a requirement to place 2 warning triangles on the road. One 50m behind and one 50m in front warning oncoming traffic.
However the high rate of fatalities and injuries sustained in deployment of the triangles have prompted the change to V16 beacons.
It makes sense to adopt the new system, even though it is not mandatory for non Spanish vehicles.
I have put a link to the AA website which details the historic procedure.

Driving in Spain | AA

Our touring tips for Spain will help you get to know the local rules of the road before you go and avoid a simple mistake spoiling your holiday

www.theaa.com

Davy