Effective January 1, 2026, the V16 hazard warning light will be mandatory in Spain, replacing traditional warning triangles.
This new rule requires a connected V16 beacon with GPS to be placed on the vehicle’s roof, which communicates its location to the DGT 3.0 platform to alert other drivers. During the transition period, both the V16 and triangles are permitted, but triangles will be illegal starting in 2026.
Key rules for the V16 beacon
Mandatory from 2026: The connected V16 beacon is required starting January 1, 2026; warning triangles will no longer be legal.
Connected beacon: The V16 beacon must be connected and certified, meaning it must have built-in GPS to send its location to the DGT’s traffic platform.
Safety: The beacon is placed on the highest point of the vehicle to be highly visible without requiring the driver to exit the vehicle on the roadway.
Connectivity: The device includes a minimum of 12 years of connectivity, with costs included in the purchase price.
Penalties: Drivers without a certified and connected V16 beacon after December 31, 2025, may face a fine of up to €200.
