Goodbye Emergency Triangles, Hello Smart Beacons: What Drivers in Spain Need to Know for 2026

If you drive in Spain, there’s a big road safety update coming your way. From 1 January 2026, the traditional red emergency triangles will no longer be valid. In their place, every vehicle on Spanish roads must carry a V16 Connected Beacon, a small, smart device designed to make roadside breakdowns much safer.

Here’s what you need to know and how to get ready before the rule takes effect.

What Exactly Is the V16 Beacon?

It’s a small yellow light that attaches magnetically to the roof of your car and emits a bright 360º flashing signal visible from up to 1,000 metres away. It runs for at least 30 minutes, using a built-in or rechargeable battery that lasts around 18 months.

But the real innovation lies in its connectivity. Each beacon includes a GPS chip and SIM card that connects to the DGT 3.0 platform, a nationwide system managed by Spain’s traffic authority (DGT).

Once activated, the beacon sends your exact location to DGT systems in real time, warning other drivers via their navigation apps, in-car displays, and roadside information panels.

No subscription or data plan is required, every approved beacon includes 12 years of free connectivity.

Why Spain Is Replacing the Old Triangles?

If you’ve ever broken down on a motorway, you’ll know how nerve-racking it feels stepping out onto the hard shoulder to place those red triangles.

The DGT’s research shows that walking on the road to place triangles has led to countless accidents and fatalities. The V16 beacon removes that risk completely.

Now, drivers can activate the beacon from inside the car and place it safely on the roof without stepping into traffic. It combines what the DGT calls:

• Physical visibility: the flashing light that warns approaching vehicles

• Virtual visibility: digital alerts sent to navigation systems across the network

Together, these features make it far easier for other road users to spot a stopped vehicle ahead, even before they can see it.

How to Use the V16 Beacon?

If your car breaks down or you’re involved in a minor accident:

1. Move off the road if possible and stop in a safe place.

2. Turn on your hazard lights.

3. Activate your V16 beacon and place it on the roof (or another visible high point).

4. Stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened unless it’s completely safe to exit.

The beacon will automatically connect to the DGT system, transmitting your vehicle’s position and alerting other drivers nearby.

Who Needs to Carry A V16 Beacon in Spain?

From 2026, the V16 Connected Beacon will be mandatory for:

• Passenger cars

• Vans and mixed-use vehicles

• Buses

• Goods transport vehicles

Essentially, if your vehicle isn’t a specialised machine, you’ll need one.

Until the end of 2025, both the old triangles and non-connected beacons are still permitted, but as of 1 January 2026, only the connected V16 will be legally valid.

Not All Beacons Are Approved

Some retailers are already selling “connected” beacons that don’t meet official DGT standards. To avoid wasting money (or risking a fine), make sure your beacon appears on the official DGT list of approved models.
You can check the list on the DGT website.

What the V16 Doesn’t Do

The beacon does not alert emergency services or call for help automatically.
It only shares your vehicle’s location to improve road safety, it doesn’t send personal data or vehicle details.

If you need assistance, you’ll still need to call for help manually or use your car’s eCall system, if equipped.

What This Means for Expats in Mallorca?

Whether you’re a long-term resident or you’ve just moved to Mallorca, it’s important to stay compliant with local regulations, especially when it comes to driving.

This new rule means:

• You’ll need to buy an approved V16 Connected Beacon before 2026.

• Your emergency triangles will no longer be valid after 31st December 2025.

• Having the correct device will help you avoid fines and keep you safer in case of a breakdown.

It’s a small change, but one that could make a big difference in an emergency.

How to Prepare Now for the V16 Beacon in Mallorca?

• Purchase an approved beacon early (stocks are expected to run low as 2026 approaches).

• Keep it in your glove compartment, easy to reach in an emergency.

• Check that the battery is charged or within its lifespan.

• Familiarize yourself with how it works before you actually need it.

The new V16 Connected Beacon rule is just one of many upcoming changes, but this one’s easy to get right. Equip your car now, stay informed, and you’ll be ready well before the 2026 deadline.

For help with Spanish paperwork, vehicle documentation, or expat admin in Mallorca, get in touch with the Mallorca Solutions team, we’ll make sure you’re compliant, connected, and stress-free on the road.