Car breakdown in Spain? A mandatory V16 flashing light on the roof!

According to the Spanish government, too many accidents occur while setting up warning triangles, especially on highways. The idea behind the V16 is simple: more safety and less hassle. You no longer have to get out of your car to set up a triangle; you simply place the flashing light on your roof from inside the car.

How does the V16 flashing light work?

The V16 is a compact magnetic flashing light that you place on the roof of your vehicle in case of a breakdown. The light flashes brightly in a 360-degree radius, making it visible to other road users from a distance. Additionally, the V16 is equipped with a built-in SIM card that automatically sends your location to the Spanish traffic authority, DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico). Once you activate the flashing light, the help center receives a notification.

What requirements must the V16 meet?

You can’t just place any random flashing light on your car roof. Your V16 must:

• Be visible all around (360 degrees).
• Be able to burn for at least 30 minutes.
• Be magnetic so you can attach it to your roof.
• Have a digital connection that complies with the DGT 3.0 standard.

The average price for an approved unit is around 50 euros. While this might seem expensive, the device is certified for 12 years of use and has no additional subscription fees. On the DGT website, there is a list of V16 flashing lights that meet the requirements. You can purchase them there, but they are also available at larger camping stores. Using a non-approved flashing light can result in a fine of 80 euros.

From when is the V16 flashing light mandatory in Spain?

The V16 is mandatory in Spain starting January 1, 2026, but you can use it already. Until the end of 2025, the classic warning triangle is still allowed, but the Spanish government recommends switching to the V16 now. Spain is leading the way with this regulation, but other European countries are considering similar measures. So, it might be a smart idea to have the V16 in your car already. It’s an extra accessory in your glove compartment, but it’s for your own safety. Bon viaje!

UPDATE February 2025: Exception for Foreign Vehicles

After publishing this article, we received many questions regarding the obligation of the V16 warning light for vehicles registered abroad. According to the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico), foreign vehicles may continue using a warning triangle for now.

‘Foreign vehicles driving in Spain under the status of ‘international traffic’ will comply with the regulations as of January 1, 2026, if they use a warning triangle. For these vehicles, the V16 option is not mandatory but is permitted and recommended.

The V16 light, currently priced between €30 and €50, provides extra safety as it is not only highly visible but also alerts other road users through a digital network. While Spain is pioneering this regulation, other countries are expected to adopt similar measures in the future, which could impact international traffic regulations.

Additionally, on March 1, 2026, a new European standard will come into effect, which may influence regulations in other countries. The Vienna Convention on Road Traffic states that vehicles in international traffic must use recognizable warning signals. Based on this, countries may eventually adopt the V16 as the new standard.

For vehicles registered in Spain, the obligation to use the connected V16 warning light will remain in effect from January 1, 2026′, the Spanish traffic authority informed us.