International Use of the V-16 Warning Light and Triangles Explained

From 1 January 2026, warning triangles will no longer be usable on the roads of Spain, having to be replaced by a flashing warning light, the V-16 hazard pre-signalling device, which have already been introduced in the country during a phasing in period.

Right now, you can opt to use either warning triangles, or the V-16, except on motorways where triangles are no longer used, but from the end of this year you must replace the triangles with a V-16, and we recommend you purchase a “connected” version now, as they are the only type that will be permitted in the future.

In fact, Spain is the first country to mandate the use of these devices, as a means of improving safety during a breakdown or incident, but that poses two questions, what happens when Spanish vehicles leave Spain, and what happens when foreign vehicles are driving in the country?

Although the Geneva Convention does not contemplate any common standard for situations where vehicles are immobilised on the roads, the Convention establishes the characteristics of the warning device, detailing requirements of the “triangle”, but also goes on to say that “any other device of equal effectiveness prescribed by the legislation of the country in which the vehicle is registered” is also accepted.

Spanish Registered Vehicles in Other Countries

In the regulatory note issued by Spain’s Ministry of the Interior, it explains that, “Any vehicle registered in Spain that is in “international circulation” through another country that is a signatory to the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic or the 1968 Convention on Road Traffic will be complying with the regulations by carrying, or if necessary, using the new V-16 luminous and connected hazard pre-signalling device without the need to be equipped with pre-signalling triangles”.

Foreign Registered Vehicles Driving in Spain

In the regulatory note, it is explained that “Taking as a reference the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 8 November 1968, those vehicles that are registered in other countries and that circulate in Spain in “international circulation” situations, are considered to be in compliance with the regulations if they carry, or if necessary, use warning triangles or any other device with similar functionality implemented in the regulations of the country of origin”.

If your country of origin doesn’t use such a device, or does not subscribe to the Convention, you will need to purchase a device before your arrival in any country which does.