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Spain’s V16 Emergency Beacon Becomes Mandatory Jan. 1, 2026, With €80 Fine and No Extension

Officials say the connected light warns nearby traffic via navigation apps to cut roadside strikes by letting motorists signal from inside.

Overview

  • DGT chief Pere Navarro confirmed the V16 will replace emergency triangles for Spanish vehicles from January 1, 2026, with an €80 penalty for non‑compliance and no deadline extension.
  • The device broadcasts a non‑identifying location signal that integrates with traffic systems and navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze.
  • Emergency triangles are no longer mandatory, and anyone choosing to deploy them does so at their own responsibility.
  • Vehicles with foreign license plates are exempt from the V16 requirement, and motorcycles are not required to carry the beacon for now under current guidance.
  • Navarro cited an expected retail price of €40–€50, said the DGT receives no proceeds from sales, and noted a single unit can be moved between vehicles if they are not used at the same time.