Spain to Mandate V16 Emergency Beacons and Update Traffic Regulations by 2026
Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic is updating road safety regulations, mandating the use of V16 emergency beacons by 2026 and enforcing stricter documentation requirements to reduce accident rates.
Spain is updating its road safety regulations to modernize how roadside incidents are handled. The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) and the Civil Guard have announced upcoming changes to documentation requirements and penalties, aimed at reducing accident rates across the country, including the Canary Islands.
The most significant change involves emergency signaling. From January 1, 2026, the V16 emergency beacon will become mandatory, officially replacing traditional warning triangles. Drivers must keep this device in an accessible spot, such as the glove compartment, so it can be placed on the roof of the vehicle without the driver needing to step onto the road. Failing to carry an approved beacon will result in an 80-euro fine.
The DGT also emphasized the importance of keeping vehicle documentation up to date. Under Article 26 of the General Traffic Regulations, drivers must be able to present their vehicle’s registration certificate—which applies to all vehicles, including agricultural and service machinery—during routine checks.
The penalties for documentation issues are as follows:
- 10 euros for failing to carry the registration certificate.
- 80 euros if the information on the certificate is outdated.
- Up to 500 euros if the vehicle lacks the necessary authorization entirely.
It is important to note that while drivers must possess these documents, they are not required to carry proof of payment for the circulation tax. However, keeping all administrative records current is essential to ensure that drivers can easily verify their vehicle's legal status if stopped by authorities.