The DGT eliminates the obligation to use emergency triangles on highways and motorways.

Updated on Jun 29, 2023

Starting July 1, emergency triangles will no longer be required in the event of a breakdown on dual carriageways and motorways. The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has taken this measure with the aim of reducing accidents on these high-capacity roads. Until now, if a vehicle broke down and was immobilized on the road, emergency triangles were required to be placed 50 meters behind the vehicle to signal the situation. However, the DGT has eliminated this requirement on motorways and highways, although triangles are still required on conventional roads. Furthermore, the vehicle can be replaced with V16 warning lights .

Security reasons behind the decision

This decision is based on the alarming number of pedestrian fatalities on these types of roads, with an average of 22 fatalities in the last five years. The placement of triangles increased the risk of collisions, so it is considered safer not to use them on dual carriageways and motorways, where the risk is higher than on other types of roads. The DGT will recommend that drivers not use warning triangles in these situations, and no fines will be filed against drivers who fail to use them on highways and motorways.

The Lights v16, the present and the future

It's important to note that this measure will come into effect on July 1, 2023, and will remain in effect until January 1, 2026, at which point the use of its aforementioned replacement, the connected V16 hazard light, will become mandatory. With this measure, the DGT seeks to improve road safety on high-capacity roads and prevent dangerous interactions between pedestrians and vehicles. In addition, the DGT will promote greater awareness among drivers about the importance of accident prevention on highways and motorways. Information campaigns will be carried out and the use of alternative signaling systems, such as V16 beacons, which provide greater visibility and reduce the risk of collisions, will be encouraged. On the other hand, this measure has generated some controversy and sparked debate among the various stakeholders involved in road safety. Some critics argue that the elimination of warning triangles can cause confusion among drivers and make it difficult to identify dangerous road situations. However, the DGT has defended its decision as a necessary measure to safeguard the safety of all road users. The elimination of the mandatory use of warning triangles on dual carriageways and motorways, effective July 1, aims to improve road safety and reduce the risk of collisions. Although this measure has generated mixed opinions, the DGT (Directorate General of Traffic) is confident that it will achieve positive results in terms of accident prevention and protection of users of these high-capacity roads.