The rules of the road are constantly changing and drivers need to be vigilant about what the law says. Traffic accidents happen every day and authorities try to prevent these situations. In Spain, since January this year, there has been a novelty that caught the locals by surprise, but could be even more unexpected for tourists. If you want to avoid a fine when driving your car in this country, pack a brand new feature in your kit.

If your vehicle breaks down on the road, most countries require you to place a warning triangle far enough away from it to let other drivers know about the road obstruction. However, in Spain this feature is considered insufficient from January 2026.

Each country has its own rules

The warning triangle is used in many European countries. For example, it is mandatory in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Italy and France. Although the rules for using it vary, the basic principle is always the same: when a vehicle breaks down, this safety feature shows other drivers that something has happened on the road.

Until recently, this was also the case in Spain. However, this popular holiday destination has introduced a new rule from this year. If your car breaks down on the road, you must mark your car with a V-16 beacon.

We usually associate a beacon on a car more with the police or fire department. But in Spain, it's something that every driver should have. ━━ We usually associate a beacon on a car more with the police or fire department. But in Spain, it's something that every driver should have. ( Source: Jose Gonzalez Buenaposada /  iStockphoto )

Safety for all drivers

The aim of this regulation is to improve safety on the roads, both for the drivers around you and, above all, for the person whose car has broken down and is on the road. Particularly in low visibility conditions, it is very important not only to see the warning triangle at a sufficient distance from the accident or car breakdown, but also to mark the actual location where the problem occurred.

Additionally, if you have a beacon in your car in the right place and the car malfunction does not require you to stop immediately, placing this warning element on your car can indicate to others why you are going slower or that you are going to stop as soon as conditions allow. The point is simply that you can use the beacon as a warning sign without leaving your vehicle.

In addition, the special V-16 beacon sends your GPS position to the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico), Spain’s General Directorate of Road Traffic, so the authorities know immediately where the accident or breakdown has happened.