British drivers heading to Europe in the near future could be slapped with hefty fines if they do not have suitable equipment in their vehicles.
As the cold weather continues to impact Britons, many will already be planning their holidays across the year to escape the inclement weather.
However, drivers are being urged to make themselves aware of new traffic laws being introduced soon in one of the most popular destinations for British tourists and expats.
The Spanish authorities are requiring all vehicles, including those from abroad, to be equipped with a V-16 rotating beacon light instead of the traditional warning triangle.
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Drivers will be required to carry new vehicle equipment when travelling through Spain next year
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This new requirement will affect all UK motorists travelling to Spain from January 1, 2026, marking a significant change in road safety equipment requirements for British holidaymakers and frequent travellers.
The V-16 rotating beacon is a small device that emits a high-intensity yellow or orange light visible from all angles for at least 30 minutes.
In the event of a breakdown or accident, drivers must place the light on their vehicle’s roof or door to warn other motorists of the hazard.
When not in use, the device must be stored in the vehicle’s glove compartment, ready for emergencies.
The Spanish traffic authority (Dirección General de Tráfico) maintains a list of approved manufacturers and models for drivers to choose from.
Drivers who fail to carry the mandatory V-16 beacon light in Spain could face fines ranging from €80 (£67) to €200 (£169).
This new regulation will be strictly enforced for all vehicles, including those driven by British tourists and visitors.
According to Connexion France, the requirement marks a significant shift from current practices, as Spain moves to modernise its roadside safety protocols.
The Spanish DGT will oversee the implementation of these new rules, which aim to enhance road safety across the country.
The V-16 beacon light offers several key advantages over traditional warning triangles, Spanish authorities reported.
The device can be spotted from up to a kilometre away and maintains visibility even in foggy conditions.
It also reportedly features built-in geolocation technology, automatically transmitting the vehicle’s position to the DGT to enable faster emergency response.
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The new safety measures are believed to be more convenient than traditional red triangles
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The beacon light is considered safer than warning triangles, as drivers don’t need to walk along the roadside to place it during emergencies.
In France, drivers are currently required to carry warning triangles, with fines of up to €750 (£633) for non-compliance unless using the triangle would pose a safety risk.
