Drivers will need new equipment soon to visit Spain from France
The ‘breakdown warning triangle’ required in France will no longer be permitted for this purpose in Spain
The light ‘beacon’ must be installed on the roof or on a door of the vehicle if needed, and otherwise kept in the car's glove compartment
DGT / dgt.es
Do you drive to Spain regularly? Be aware that all vehicles will need to be fitted with a ‘rotating beacon’ light in case of a breakdown from 2026.
In France, vehicles are required to carry a warning triangle that drivers can place behind their vehicle in the event of a breakdown or accident on a roadside (on penalty of a fine of up to €750, unless the driver considers that using the triangle could endanger their life).
Read more: What must drivers carry in their cars in France?
However, from January 1, 2026 in Spain, these triangles will no longer be permitted for this purpose.
What are the new rules?
Spanish authorities announced the new requirement earlier this month (January 2024).
From January 1, 2026, a working ‘V-16’ rotating beacon light will need to be carried by all vehicles travelling in Spain, including those from abroad (including France and the UK).
The V-16 is a small flashing light in their vehicles, which can be attached to the roof or side of the car like an ‘emergency light’. The light is intended to warn other drivers that your vehicle has broken down or had an accident, is stationary, and could therefore be an unexpected hazard.
Drivers will have to carry it with them or risk being penalised. Fines for non-compliance will range from €80 to €200.
‘Connected V-16’ details and advantages
The Spanish Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) outlines more details on the new rules and light. The ‘connected V-16’ is a small rotating ‘beacon’ that emits a yellow or orange light.
It is a small light capable of emitting a high-intensity 360° light intermittently and continuously for at least 30 minutes.
In the event of a breakdown or accident, it must be installed on the roof or on a door of the vehicle by one of the occupants. The rest of the time, it must be kept in the car's glove compartment.
The DGT also lists a number of advantages of the new light:
Can be seen from a kilometre away, even in fog
Can be geolocated, transmitting the car's position to the DGT so that emergency services can be alerted as quickly as possible
More visible to cars and less dangerous than the warning triangle.
The DGT also has a list of approved brands and manufacturers (Under ‘Marcas y modelos certificados’) of the light.
