Applicable from 2026: Drivers must carry a warning light at this location

From January 1, 2026, the rules for drivers in Spain will change. The familiar warning triangle will be phased out on highways and expressways and replaced by a special V16 warning light.

Authorities have been discussing new safety measures for several years, and the new light aims to prevent drivers from putting themselves at risk when getting out of the car to set up the triangle.

This means that the classic triangle, which has been a standard part of a car’s emergency kit for decades, may now only be used on rural roads and in urban areas. For all cars registered in Spain, the V16 light will become mandatory.

A light that saves time — and possibly lives

The new light is placed directly on the car roof without the driver having to leave the vehicle. This significantly reduces the risk of accidents, especially on highways where speeds are high and visibility is often poor. The light flashes yellow every few seconds and can be seen from up to one kilometer away.

According to Chip.de, the light is also equipped with a built-in SIM connection that automatically transmits the car’s location to emergency services when activated. This makes it easier for rescuers to locate the vehicle, and several tests have shown that help can arrive faster than before.

Early findings suggest that the technology could prevent many secondary accidents that occur when other drivers fail to notice a broken-down car in time. The automatic location transmission can also be crucial on stretches with poor mobile coverage, where the driver may not be able to call for help.

Price, rules, and exceptions

The V16 lights will be sold at prices ranging from approximately 30 to 60 euros, depending on model and features. They are already available in Spanish stores and online, but will only become mandatory from the start of 2026.

Motorists from other countries driving in Spain with a foreign license plate are exempt from the rule, which applies only to vehicles registered in Spain. This means tourists can continue to use their regular warning triangle when driving in Spain with their own car.

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