Planning a trip in the car in September to Spain and my wife insisted I check all the regulations (yawn). However I found out that all vehicles (including motorbikes?) in Spain are supposed to carry a V16 Emergency Warning Beacon with Geolocation now. There are cheap versions (£6-£7) without the geolocation and more expensive ones (£35) https://www.factorled.com/en/produc...geolocation-and-dgt-approved?force_currency=3 Although Ali Express seem to say theirs has Geolocation, but no approval number or instructions? https://shorturl.at/H5vWm Anyone else heard about this?
I don't think this is mandatory yet for non Spanish registered vehicles. Some info in links below: https://www.thecampervanbible.co.uk/post/spain-mandates-v-16-emergency-beacons https://inspain.news/spains-v16-emergency-beacon-rules-explained/ https://road-safety-charter.ec.euro...date-v-16-emergency-beacons-all-vehicles-2026 https://www.generaliexpatriates.es/en/everything-you-need-know-about-new-v-16-emergency-beacons
Just looked at what you are expected to buy in Spain and the units that meet the Royal Decree, require a SIM for the geolocation function. Most advertise a one off purchase price that includes subscription free Telefonica Tech coverage until 2038. Probably of wider importance is to tourists who hire cars in Spain, as I’m sure the onus will be on the hirer to ensure the vehicle is supplied with one, despite car hire companies being obliged to have them in the vehicle ….. just like they are with hi-viz jackets and until now, were with 2 off red triangles. Andy
Only required for Spanish registered vehicles. All foreign registered ones are allowed to continue with the triangle. I've seen the V16 beacons in use several times already and certainly in the daytime I am unconvinced that they give better warning than a triangle, in fact a few times I've seen a triangle placed out and then seen the V16 on the roof of whatever has stopped. Not impressed with them but have to have them in both our cars.
I have a beacon that SEAT UK supplied when I bought my LEON and have had one opportunity to use it, as my car teetered on the edge of a ditch having been side swiped by an out of control, speeding vehicle. I put it on the front wing, nearest the oncoming traffic and you could certainly see it. The conversation I had with the salesman at the time, centred around the vehicle being able to be seen from the air I still carry and will use the 2 red triangles I have, in the event of being stranded in a precarious position. Andy
