Drivers in Spain required to carry new emergency light after January 2nd 2026

All drivers in Spain will be required to carry an emergency light after 2nd January, 2026, which means you’ve got a month to get it sorted.

The type of light required is a battery-operated V16 emergency light which connects to Spain’s Traffic Department (DGT) by GPS, allowing warnings to be issued on the navigation systems of other drivers. The light must be kept in the cabin of the vehicle, and not the boot, so it can be quickly placed on the roof.

A quick search online will reveal several models of V16 light on sale, but it is important that you buy one which has been approved by Spain’s Traffic Department (DGT).

Approved models will feature a code beginning LCOE or IDIADA, which should be engraved on the lamp itself (not on a sticker). It should be clear on the light or packaging that it connects with the DGT, and the department has published a list of over 230 approved models on its website.

Price is also a fairly reliable indicator of approved status. Put simply, if it’s less than €35, the chances are that it’s not approved. That hasn’t stopped plenty of sellers on sites such as Aliexpress and Amazon from advertising cheap lights that will not pass a police check.

Readers have contacted us to ask how they can test whether their light works without informing the DGT of an accident. The answer is that the SIM card in the light does not alert the DGT until 100 seconds after it is switched on, giving you plenty of time to check.

A recent survey indicated that most Spaniards are still unaware of the new requirement, but anyone who does not have an approved V16 light in their car after Jan 2nd could be subject to fines ranging from €80 to €200.

The V16 light will replace the current reflective emergency triangles, which will no longer be compulsory. In fact, it was the potential risks involved in drivers placing the triangles on busy roads that has led to the change.

However, although the DGT is no longer recommending the use of triangles, some drivers intend to continue carrying them, as they could still be useful in situations where they could be set up safely and further reduce the risk of accidents, such as a blind curve on a quiet road.