V16 emergency beacon for Spain

[Rololux]

There is a new law that has come into force at the beginning of 2026 in Spain requiring you to carry a V16 emergency beacon instead of a warning triangle. They are not enforcing it yet, but I guess they will in due course. Since I spend 4+ months in Spain each year, I think I'd better get one. However, from the research I've done, these beacons generally attach to the roof using a magnet - not ideal if you have an aluminium roof! Has anyone any experience of these things, and how best to use them on a Cali?

 

[Meoncoast]

I guess if you have broken down it is not going to fall off the aluminium roof. Transporters don't break down.

 

[Barbara]

There is a new law that has come into force at the beginning of 2026 in Spain requiring you to carry a V16 emergency beacon instead of a warning triangle. They are not enforcing it yet, but I guess they will in due course. Since I spend 4+ months in Spain each year, I think I'd better get one. However, from the research I've done, these beacons generally attach to the roof using a magnet - not ideal if you have an aluminium roof! Has anyone any experience of these things, and how best to use them on a Cali?

I already have one as I thought it was a good idea as it is more visible as a light. I got mine from a post office, it has a sim card that is valid for 10 years. It is possible to check it works and the light come on but the signal is not sent for 100 sec so it can be turned off before the alert is sent when just testing it. Not sure now it works in area of no phone coverage. You can still carry a warning triangle, but the idea is to cut down on people being hit putting out the warning triangle.

Update on my post( now corrected) it does seem to be for all vehicles

Spain to mandate V-16 emergency beacons for all vehicles by 2026 | European Road Safety Charter

road-safety-charter.ec.europa.eu

There seems to be lots of discussions on social media. I have not tried in on the roof. This Facebook link maybe useful for driving in Spain. https://www.facebook.com/share/1AZFY5ZhS2/

 

[sticky1]

There is a new law that has come into force at the beginning of 2026 in Spain requiring you to carry a V16 emergency beacon instead of a warning triangle. They are not enforcing it yet, but I guess they will in due course. Since I spend 4+ months in Spain each year, I think I'd better get one. However, from the research I've done, these beacons generally attach to the roof using a magnet - not ideal if you have an aluminium roof! Has anyone any experience of these things, and how best to use them on a Cali?

I didn’t think it was compulsory for vehicles registered outside of Spain?

 

[Flower Power]

German ADAC ( which is our AA) on their website has this information.

Spain: Warning light instead of warning triangle​

Since this year, motorists in Spain are no longer allowed to set up a warning triangle in the event of accidents or breakdowns. A special flashing light is then required.

For German tourists who enter Spain by car, nothing changes. The new regulation only applies to vehicles registered in Spain. However, holidaymakers who are traveling with a rental car in Spain are affected by the new flashing light obligation. The landlord has the obligation to equip all vehicles with the lights. Tenants must be shown the use at the time of takeover.


So..... as often happens, initial confusion continues.... but if I was travelling to Spain I would have that light onboard. In fact maybe I even have this for use in Germany (if it is legal). Safety First.

 

[Flower Power]

Oh, after living here for some time, this is my conclusion on life in Germany: If something is not required by law then it is not allowed.

 

[Barbara]

German ADAC ( which is our AA) on their website has this information.

Spain: Warning light instead of warning triangle​

Since this year, motorists in Spain are no longer allowed to set up a warning triangle in the event of accidents or breakdowns. A special flashing light is then required.

For German tourists who enter Spain by car, nothing changes. The new regulation only applies to vehicles registered in Spain. However, holidaymakers who are traveling with a rental car in Spain are affected by the new flashing light obligation. The landlord has the obligation to equip all vehicles with the lights. Tenants must be shown the use at the time of takeover.


So..... as often happens, initial confusion continues.... but if I was travelling to Spain I would have that light onboard. In fact maybe I even have this for use in Germany (if it is legal). Safety First.

Thanks for finding that I thought I had read somewhere something similar. However as I said earlier I have one as I hope if I need it it will stand out more and maybe easier than putting out a triangle. I will also use my hazard warning lights. Hope I have spend money on something I will never have to use .