From January 1, 2026, a new regulation comes into force in Spain that will replace traditional warning triangles on motorways and highways. Instead, drivers will be required to use special V16 warning lights. This change aims to improve safety in road incidents and breakdowns.
Key advantages of the V16 light:
· Roof-mounted without needing to enter the roadway
· Yellow flashing light visible up to 1 km away
· Automatic geolocation transmission to emergency services via SIM card
· Reduced risk of secondary collisions
Who must comply:
The rule applies only to vehicles with Spanish registration. Foreign vehicles may continue using conventional warning triangles. On regular country roads and in urban areas, triangles also remain acceptable.
Practical aspects:
V16 lights cost between €30-€60. Their use is particularly relevant on high-speed roads where exiting the vehicle is most dangerous.
Spanish authorities emphasize that the innovation will enable faster detection of emergencies and more targeted rescue operations. European experts are already considering similar regulations in other EU countries, though no concrete plans exist yet for Germany.