As of 1 January 2026, the V-16 beacon is mandatory on Spanish roads to signal breakdowns and accidents. Known in Spanish as the V-16 "baliza", beacons must be certified by IDIADA or LCOE, the authorised laboratories that confirm the devices meet all required safety standards.
Drivers who do not carry a V-16 beacon, or who carry one that is not approved, face a minor fine of €80 — the same penalty previously applied for not having traditional warning triangles.
Just days into the new rule, the Spanish Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) has already withdrawn approval for several V-16 beacon models. This is mainly due to some manufacturers failing to renew their licences; no technical faults have been reported with the devices themselves.
The consumer association Facua has confirmed that beacons purchased before the approval expiry meet all technical safety standards and are valid replacements for traditional triangles.
Traffic authorities: “no intention to fine”
The DGT has emphasised that it has no intention of issuing fines for drivers who have not yet acquired an approved V-16 beacon.
“There is no intention to fine. We are replacing triangles with a device that improves road safety. This connected, luminous V-16 will make our roads safer,” said Ana Blanco, Deputy Director of the DGT, in an interview with Cadena Ser.
She added that there is still time for drivers to purchase the mandatory beacon: “Drivers have days to equip themselves with this safety device.”
The DGT explains that the beacon is intended to reduce accidents, by keeping vehicle occupants safely inside rather than leaving the car to place a warning triangle, while also alerting other drivers in the area to the breakdown.
Which vehicles must carry a V-16 beacon?
According to Annex XII of the General Vehicle Regulations, the following vehicles must carry a V-16 beacon:
- Passenger cars
- Vans
- Buses
- Dual-purpose vehicles
- Trucks and non-special vehicle combinations
Motorcycles are recommended to carry one for safety, but it is not compulsory.
The device should be kept charged in the glove compartment or another accessible location. If it needs to be used, the driver should switch it on and place it from inside the vehicle at the highest point, to maximise visibility — on the roof, or in the case of buses and trucks, on the driver’s door.
Once switched on, the beacon emits a luminous signal and automatically sends the vehicle’s exact location to the DGT 3.0 platform.
Other drivers in the area will receive this information via satnavs, mobility apps, or variable message signs. After this, it is up to the driver to decide whether it is safe to leave the vehicle.
Choosing the right beacon
The company producing approved models, FaseLight and iWottoLight, stresses the importance of choosing certified, geolocatable beacons, with anonymous location tracking and extra services via the SOS Alert app.
Martín Palomino of the company points out that some beacons “do not meet all requirements”, so it is crucial to distinguish “between simple emergency lights and approved, geolocated V16 beacons.”
Regarding privacy, both FaseLight and iWottoLight models use an anonymous SIM, which is not linked to the driver’s name, ID, or phone number.
“No personal data is needed to use the beacon. Only the vehicle’s location and technical device data are sent to DGT 3.0. Geolocation is only activated when the beacon is switched on due to an incident; while off, it emits no signal and does not track the vehicle,” said the company’s Product Manager.
Controversies and concerns over the V‑16 beacon’s effectiveness
While the V‑16 beacon is intended to improve safety on Spanish roads, questions remain about how well it works in practice. Several tests and reports have shown that the lights are often hard to see in daylight or from a distance, especially compared with traditional warning triangles. Drivers and consumer groups have pointed out that in some situations — on busy roads or in poor weather — the beacon may not provide sufficient warning to other motorists, raising doubts about whether it truly enhances safety. Authorities maintain that the device is a step forward, but many drivers remain sceptical about relying solely on the V‑16 to prevent accidents.
Road safety updates in Spain for 2026
The V-16 beacon is one of the main traffic changes in Spain for 2026, following a busy 2025. From 1 July 2025, Spain introduced a new set of traffic signs and updates to the General Traffic Regulations, including around 90 new signs, over 20 updates, and several removals.
In July 2025, reforms to the Vehicle Regulations were also published, aiming to modernise and decarbonise freight transport, among other updates.
Spain’s key fiscal measures for 2026: diesel tax, electric vehicles, and Bizum payments
In 2026, Spain will tighten Bizum payment reporting, raise diesel taxes, and extend electric vehicle and energy-efficient home incentives. The Verifactu invoicing system is postponed to 2027, unemployment benefit recipients are exempt from income tax returns, and aid continues for wildfire and flood victims.
EU driving licence rules are now in force: key changes explained
The new driving licence regulations have been in effect across the European Union since 3 December. They aim to modernise the system, improve road safety and simplify life for drivers. Spain must implement the changes by the end of 2028. The directive also requires the gradual introduction of a digital driving licence in all member states.
Driving in Spain with a UK licence: everything you need to know
Exploring Spain by car is one of the best ways to discover its sun-drenched beaches, historic towns, and scenic mountain routes. If you hold a UK driving licence, it’s important to understand the rules before you get behind the wheel. From post-Brexit regulations to car hire age limits, here’s everything you need to know about driving in Spain with a UK licence.