ARCHIVED - Law passed to replace breakdown warning triangles with flashing beacons by 2026 in Spain

The new lights will be optional in Spain as of 1^st July this year

A proposal has been passed by the Spanish government on Wednesday to alter the traffic laws in order to phase out the obligation for fluorescent warning triangles to be carried in motor vehicles on 1^st January 2026 as part of wider-ranging safety legislation, replacing it with a portable V-16 flashing beacon which can be attached to the roof, Starsky and Hutch style, in emergency situations.

One of the advantages of the change in the regulations is that it will avoid the need for drivers or passengers to leave the vehicle in order to warn traffic of their predicament, as well as saving time in establishing a highly visual warning. The Ministry of the Interior reports that 42 people lost their lives in this country between 2018 and 2020 after leaving their vehicles on main roads to place warning triangles.

In addition, the beacons provided will automatically transmit the position of the emergency to the authorities, and the proposed legislation also contemplates the creation of a V-27 “virtual triangle” which will activate the vehicle’s on-board systems to warn of nearby emergencies, although this will not be obligatory.

The device will provide a flashing yellow light and the new law will stipulate that when in use it should be placed on the highest available part of the vehicle. As of 1^st July this year drivers will be allowed to choose whether to carry warning triangles or the V-16 flashing lights (or both) before the new devices become obligatory in under 5 years’ time.