The General Directorate of Traffic has made a definitive date to the goodbye of the traditional emergency triangles and reminding all drivers who, from the January 1, 2026, the V16 signal will be mandatory throughout Spainbecoming the only approved system to alert hazards on the road.
It should be noted that this measure has a clear objective, and is to improve road safety and reduce the risk of abuse by preventing drivers from having to get out of the car to signal a breakdown or accident.
Currently, the triangles remain valid and can be used next to certified V16 beacons, but the countdown for the final transition has already begun. In addition, it must be taken into account that This regulation is exclusive to Spain.
It is important to mention that in the rest of Europe, the triangles will remain mandatory, so if you have planned to travel outside the country, it is advisable to continue taking them in the trunk to avoid fines that could affect your pocket for an oversight.
The beacons V16: the new standard in road safety
Light V16 are light devices designed to signal breakdowns or accidents without the need for the car. They are placed on the roof of the vehicle and emit an intermittent light of high intensity, visible in 360 degrees, which allows other conductors to detect signaling at a great distance.
In addition, the connected versions will automatically link with the DGT 3.0 platform, transmitting the location of the vehicle in real time to emergency services and road assistance systems.
However, it is important to emphasize that not all V16 lights are valid. The General Directorate of Traffic has certified only certain models that meet the required technical requirements. In fact, there is an official list with all the models that have obtained the certification between December 2022 and January 2025.
It is for this reason that, before buying one, it is essential to check this list to make sure you acquire a approved model and have no problem with the authorities.
Technical requirements of the beacons V16
- Issue a yellow light of high intensity visible in 360 degrees.
- Function intermittently and continue for at least 30 minutes.
- Have connectivity to send the location of the car in real time to the DGT 3.0 platform.
- Have a reliable diet, either by battery or battery, with a minimum useful life of 18 months.
- These standards guarantee that V16 light be effective in any climatic condition and any time of the day, offering a clear and safe signaling for drivers.
One year to adapt: the triangles disappear in 2026
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On January 1, 2026, it will set a definitive change in road safety regulations in Spain. From that moment on, the connected V16 will be the only legal device of dangerization of danger. Although for now the emergency triangles They are still useful for signaling road incidents, in a year they will cease to be mandatory.
This change seeks to reduce the risks of running over the road, since placing the triangles implies leaving the vehicle and walking along the road, something especially dangerous in low visibility conditions or on roads with intense traffic.
This light solves this problem by allowing you to signal your vehicle without exposing yourself to danger. If you have not yet acquired your V16 beacon, it is time to do it. The regulations are already underway and, in just one year, this device will be essential for all drivers in Spain.
The documents that the DGT forces you to carry in the car
The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has taken another step towards digitalization, allowing drivers to carry their driving card on the mobile through the MIDGT application. This measure facilitates identification and avoids sanctions for not carrying the document in physical format.
Despite the belief that it is mandatory to bring the insurance policy and the payment receipt, since 2008 the agents can consult this information telematic. But it is still essential to have three documents in physical format: The circulation permit, the driver’s card and the ITV cardwhose sticker must be visible in the upper right of the windshield.
Not having any of these documents in order can lead to sanctions ranging from economic fines to the immobilization of the car. With this, The DGT continues to bet on modernizationfacilitating access to documentation and reducing risks due to disasters.
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