From January 1, 2026, a working ‘V-16’ rotating beacon light will need to be carried by all vehicles travelling in Spain, including those from abroad (including France and the UK).
The V-16 is a small flashing light in their vehicles, which can be attached to the roof or side of the car like an ‘emergency light’. The light is intended to warn other drivers that your vehicle has broken down or had an accident, is stationary, and could therefore be an unexpected hazard.
Drivers will have to carry it with them or risk being penalised. Fines for non-compliance will range from €80 to €200.
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Readily available on ebay and Amazon, with a large variation in price.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Don't see a major problem in principle, unless the beacon flashing light is required to be visible behind a caravan/MH - then how do you attach a magnetic base to a aluminium or fibre-glass body! I CERTAINLY can't reach the roof of my caravan to rest it up there without a stepladder - my ordinary entry steps are nowhere near high enough! No rear window in caravan either!
In fact I'd struggle a bit with my car with a magnetic base - all of my car above the waistline is plastic/glass/aluminium, so is the bonnet and tailgate! It'd most likely have to be just rested on the glass roof and hope it didn't slide off!
I've got a similar beacon without the radio link, and that doesn't seem very keen to stay in situ when just resting on a wet glass roof!
Cost of the beacon varies enormously, well worth shopping around!
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Quote: Originally posted by iank01 on 17/1/2025
I remember the breath analyser fiasco in France and the silly prices you were paying for them! At the moment I would take it with a pinch of salt.
Or it could be like warning triangles and hi-viz jackets,
In fact I'd struggle a bit with my car with a magnetic base - all of my car above the waistline is plastic/glass/aluminium, so is the bonnet and tailgate! It'd most likely have to be just rested on the glass roof and hope it didn't slide off!
As the aericle says it can be placed on the side of the car as well as the roof then perhaps the side just below the waistline would be acceptanle - lots of car indicators etc are at that level.
In fact I'd struggle a bit with my car with a magnetic base - all of my car above the waistline is plastic/glass/aluminium, so is the bonnet and tailgate! It'd most likely have to be just rested on the glass roof and hope it didn't slide off!
As the aericle says it can be placed on the side of the car as well as the roof then perhaps the side just below the waistline would be acceptanle - lots of car indicators etc are at that level.
BUT, caravan is wider than the car (which is why we are forced to use towing mirrors!), so the beacon would be obscured and not be visible from a distance, rather compromising it's purpose as a warning! It really needs to be at the highest/widest point of vehicle to be effective.
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I hire cars in spain 7/8 times a year. You supposed to have high vis jackets and a triangle with you. Never had a hire car yet with them in. Doubt there will be an orange beaacon/ flashing light too when i hire my next one.!!!!
BUT, caravan is wider than the car (which is why we are forced to use towing mirrors!), so the beacon would be obscured and not be visible from a distance, rather compromising it's purpose as a warning! It really needs to be at the highest/widest point of vehicle to be effective.
Apparantly these lights have been in use since July 21.
The main reason would appear to be reduction in the number of accidents / fatalities involving people who have been placing warning triangles on the road. It seems very clear that they do not want people getting out of their cars in the event of breakdown.
The "light" also sends a signal to the Spanish on-line transport mapping system which means a brokendown vehicle should appear in real time on eg satnavs of other road users, and alert police etc to the whereabouts of the vehicle.
Yes, I see your point re the caravan. Perhaps it needs to be taken up with the Caravan Club / AA or similar?
"The "light" also sends a signal to the Spanish on-line transport mapping system which means a brokendown vehicle should appear in real time on eg satnavs of other road users, and alert police etc to the whereabouts of the vehicle".
This is only if it's the most expensive one.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 20/1/2025
"The "light" also sends a signal to the Spanish on-line transport mapping system which means a brokendown vehicle should appear in real time on eg satnavs of other road users, and alert police etc to the whereabouts of the vehicle".
This is only if it's the most expensive one.
According to the Spanish Gov doc I linked to above these will be the only authorised ones from next Jan.
IMHO fines will only be imposed on broken down vehicles not carrying a V16. Up to the driver whether they think the risk is worth it or not.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
its been a legal requirement for campervans 3500 upwards since 2021 it is now also a legal requirement to wear a high viz vest when walking along a road with no pavement came in last year. Now whether anyone will actually uphold these laws is debatable but its a sure fired certainty if involved in an accident and you don't have one I wouldn't want to be in their shoes
Quote: Originally posted by romany on 22/1/2025
Now whether anyone will actually uphold these laws is debatable but its a sure fired certainty if involved in an accident and you don't have one I wouldn't want to be in their shoes
Might affect insurance if the legally required safety measures are not in place at the time of the accident. Not just vehicle insurance but claims from other parties for death or personal injury. Obviously highly unlikely - but not totally impossible. We can choose whether or not to risk it.
To attach to the rear of the caravan you can simply fix a small metal plate to the caravan with double sided adhesive tape and then stick the magnetic light onto that.
DaveS1
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Driving in Spain - New Regulation 2026
via mobile 18/1/2025 at 8:50pm
