From January 1st 2026, all drivers in Spain should carry a V-16 emergency light in their cars. Even though they’re mandatory from that date, Spanish traffic authorities have confirmed that no fines will be issued early in the new year.
The head of Spain’s DGT traffic authority Pere Navarro has confirmed there will be a grace period following the deadline for drivers to have the new V-16 emergency light in their vehicles, set for January 1st 2026.
As of this date, all drivers in Spain must use the new V-16 lights instead of the warning triangles like before, in case of an accident or a breakdown.
READ ALSO: Why does Spain’s mandatory new V-16 emergency light have geolocation?
However, Navarro said that police officers will act with flexibility during the first few months of 2026, prioritising giving information over issuing fines.
This means that the implementation date remains unchanged, but that fines for not having one will not yet be issued. Navarro reiterated that the regulations are coming into effect as planned, something he had been announcing for five years.
“We will be flexible for a while, informing” drivers before issuing fines,” he explained.
According to the Director of the DGT, the idea is to “consolidate this system” without generating a raft of new fines from the first day.
READ ALSO: Do tourists driving in Spain need to carry the new V-16 emergency light?
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One of the reasons for this is that many believe the DGT hasn’t effectively communicated the change to drivers, and even the traffic authority themselves agree.
Montserrat Estaca, head of the Telematics Department at the DGT acknowledged in an interview with news site 20 Minutos that “we haven’t done our job well” in passing out information about the new legislation.
She admitted that many citizens are still not aware of the mandatory requirement to carry a V-16 emergency light in their cars.
Until now, the DGT has only informed drivers through the media, without sending direct messages as it did with the environmental sticker system was introduced.
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READ ALSO – Driving in Spain: Which V-16 emergency light should you buy?
The V-16 device is a small yellow or orange LED light that is equipped with geolocation connectivity and is capable of emitting a high-intensity 360º light intermittently and continuously for 30 minutes.
The aim is to improve safety on the roads and notify the DGT of where there has been an incident, so they can display the necessary warnings to other drivers.
When switched on, information will be sent every 100 seconds about your location, until it is deactivated.
If you don’t have a light yet, it’s important that you buy one as soon as possible before January 1st 2026. Although the DGT have confirmed no fines will be issued yet for not carrying one, they will in the future. Not having one then will cost you a fine of between €80 to €200 depending on the situation.
Remember, the light you buy must have all the necessary features, including geolocation, and be approved by the DGT. Many companies are taking advantage of the new legislation and promoting any lights of this kind.
According to OCU, most approved lights cost between €40 and €50, which includes the SIM. If you see prices a lot less than this, it should signal a red flag, particularly if it’s advertised for under €20.
