Fines - Regulations: This will happen in Spain from 2026 without a V16 warning light

Fines & regulations: This is what happens in Spain from 2026 without a V16 warning light

Introduction: A new era of traffic safety

At the latest on January 1, 2026, a new chapter in road safety begins in Spain.
The classic warning triangle is being abolished – and in its place comes the V16 warning light, a digital, connected safety system designed to save lives.

But what happens if drivers do not comply with the new regulation?
What fines are threatened? And how do police and insurance companies react if an accident is reported without an approved V16?

In this article, you will learn everything about the legal requirements, possible penalties, the procedure during checks, and the consequences for German tourists and residents in Spain.

1. The legal background: Royal Decree 159/2021

The obligation to use a V16 warning light is based on the Royal Decree 159/2021, which came into force on July 1, 2021.
This decree regulates all rules for the "señalización de vehículos inmovilizados por emergencia", i.e., the marking of vehicles in case of breakdowns or accidents.

Most important regulation:

From January 1, 2026, only approved (authorized) V16 warning lights with DGT connection (DGT 3.0 platform) may be used in Spain.

This means:

  • Warning triangles lose their validity.

  • Non-connected lights ("V16 sin conexión") are also no longer allowed.

  • Violations are treated as a traffic offense.

2. Why the V16 is mandatory – and the warning triangle is banned

The Spanish traffic authority DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) responds to a serious safety issue with the new requirement.

According to statistics from recent years:

  • Over 20 % of all deaths on highways involved people who had left their vehicle after a breakdown.

  • Setting up a warning triangle was one of the most dangerous moments.

The V16 light solves exactly this problem:
It can be activated from inside the vehicle and placed on the roof – without the driver having to get out.
This creates a glowing warning signal that is visible 360° and can be recognized from up to 1 km distance.

The DGT describes it as "the logical further development of safety technology in road traffic."

3. Who is affected by the obligation?

The obligation applies to all vehicles registered in Spain:

  • Passenger cars

  • Vans and transporters

  • Trucks

  • Buses

  • Rental cars

Motorcycles and mopeds are exempt, but can voluntarily use a V16.

Tourists with foreign license plates are not formally obliged, but should also observe the regulation (see point 10 below).

4. Which types of V16 are allowed?

From 2026, only so-called "V16 conectadas" may be used – that is, lights with integrated connection to the DGT 3.0 platform.

Requirements:

  • 360° all-around light

  • Visibility at least 1 kilometer

  • Weatherproof (at least IP54)

  • Operating temperature –10 °C to +50 °C

  • At least 30 minutes of lighting duration

  • GPS and GSM module for automatic location transmission

  • Official DGT homologation (e.g. V16 DGT XXXXX)

Devices without these specifications are considered not approved – even if they function technically.

5. What penalties apply without a V16?

Anyone traveling on Spanish roads after January 1, 2026 without carrying or using an approved V16 light risks a fine.

The DGT classifies the violation as a minor administrative offense ("infracción leve") under the Road Traffic Act (Ley de Seguridad Vial).

💶 Possible fines:

  • Up to €200 for missing or non-approved warning light

  • Up to €500 if false or missing signaling endangers other road users

  • Up to €1000 if the vehicle is not properly marked at night or in fog

Additionally, the police can prohibit further driving until the vehicle is safely secured.

6. Controls and enforcement

The Guardia Civil de Tráfico (traffic police) mainly checks the carrying of the V16:

  • at breakdowns and accidents,

  • within the framework of traffic controls on highways,

  • and during the ITV vehicle inspections (Spanish main inspection).

From 2026, police officers are expected to check during every breakdown recording whether:

  1. a V16 is present,

  2. it is DGT-approved,

  3. and it functions in an emergency.

If one of these criteria is missing, a fine will be imposed.

7. Insurance-related consequences

The introduction of the V16 requirement also affects insurance.
Spanish insurers (e.g., Mapfre, Línea Directa, Allianz España) have already announced that the absence of an approved V16 light can be considered a violation of safety regulations.

This means:

  • In the event of an accident, claims settlement may be limited or delayed.

  • In case of a breakdown without a V16, joint liability could arise if this causes danger to others.

International insurers like the ADAC-Auslandsschutzversicherung also point out that local safety regulations must be followed – regardless of vehicle registration.

8. Practical examples

🧾 Example 1:

A Spanish driver breaks down in 2026 on the A7 near Valencia.
He has no V16, instead sets up a warning triangle – and is observed by the police.
👉 Result: €200 fine, as the triangle has been banned since 2026.

🧾 Example 2:

A German family has a V16 without DGT approval (cheap model) in the rental car.
In case of a breakdown, the Guardia Civil inspects the device – no DGT seal present.
👉 Result: €200 fine, as only approved models are allowed.

🧾 Example 3:

A Spanish truck driver reports no V16 activation after a breakdown.
The DGT 3.0 system does not receive a signal – police interpret this as a violation of the reporting obligation.
👉 Result: 500 € fine plus warning by the transport company.

9. How to avoid penalties

  1. Buy a homologated V16 with DGT approval.
    → Print "Homologada por la DGT" or "V16 DGT XXXX."

  2. Choose a “connected” model, not the old offline version.

  3. Check the battery or accumulator regularly.

  4. Keep the lamp handy in the vehicle – preferably in the glove compartment.

  5. Use the V16 correctly:

    • Activate it before you get out.

    • Place it in the center on the roof.

  6. Keep the purchase receipt ready in case the police want to check the registration.

With these simple measures, you are legally and insurance-wise on the safe side.

10. What applies to German drivers and tourists?

For vehicles registered in Germany, there is no formal obligation to carry it.
But:
Anyone driving in Spain is subject to the Spanish Road Traffic Act.

This means:
If you have a breakdown or accident in Spain, from 2026 you are no longer allowed to use a warning triangle.
You must use an approved V16 light – otherwise, the same fines as for Spaniards apply.

Rental cars and motorhomes registered in Spain must also be equipped.
If the device is missing, the driver is liable in case of doubt – not the rental company.

11. How are violations checked?

From 2026, the DGT can use the platform DGT 3.0 to check which V16 lights are active.
Each device has a unique ID number that is registered upon activation.

If no signal is received in an accident, the police can determine that no V16 was used.
This is how the regulation becomes technically verifiable – even without visual inspection.

12. Prices and Cost-Benefit Comparison

An approved, connected V16 costs between 35 and 80 €, depending on manufacturer and equipment.
Compared to possible fines and the risks of an accident, this is a very small investment.

Example calculation:

  • Purchase price: 49 €

  • Duration: 10 years

  • Cost per year: < 5 €

On the other hand, there is a fine of up to €200 or more – not to mention the increased risk to life when setting up a warning triangle.

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Am I allowed to carry an additional warning triangle?

Yes, but do not use. From 2026, the triangle is considered an outdated method.

❓ How do I check the approval of my V16?

On the website of the DGT (www.dgt.es

Back to blog