Starting January 1, 2026, the use of V-16 hazard lights connected to DGT 3.0 will be mandatory in Spain, permanently replacing safety triangles. However, this measure has not yet been implemented in other European Union countries, raising concerns among drivers.
Can V-16 lights be used abroad? What happens if a foreign vehicle is driving in Spain? In this article, we answer these questions based on current international regulations.
Can I use the V-16 light outside of Spain?
Yes, vehicles registered in Spain can use the V-16 light in other countries. The 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic , ratified by most European countries, establishes that vehicles in international circulation must comply with the regulations of their country of registration.
This means that a Spanish car temporarily operating in another country may use the V-16 light to signal a breakdown or accident. However, it's important to keep in mind that:
- The V-16's connectivity only works within Spain. In other countries, it will only be used visually.
- As this device is relatively new in Spain, it is not yet widely known in the rest of Europe, so some traffic officers or drivers may not recognize it as a valid emergency signal.
- To avoid confusion, if you travel frequently outside of Spain, it may be advisable to also carry emergency triangles.
Do foreign vehicles need a V-16 light in Spain?
No. According to the Vienna Convention, a foreign vehicle temporarily circulating in Spain must comply with the regulations of its country of origin. That is, it is not required to display a V-16 light, but may use triangles or other signaling devices required in its country of registration.
Recommendations for safe travel
Although international regulations allow Spanish vehicles to use the V-16 light abroad and foreigners to continue using triangles in Spain, it is best to inform yourself before traveling about the specific regulations of each country .
The future of road safety points toward a unified connected road sign system across Europe, but there's still a long way to go before widespread adoption. In the meantime, the best option is to understand and adapt to the regulations of your destination country to ensure road safety .
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If you don't have your V-16 light connected yet, at Help Flash, we've developed Help Flash IoT , a device approved by the DGT (Directorate General of Traffic) and connected to the DGT 3.0 platform to improve road safety. Get yours and travel with the peace of mind of knowing you're prepared for any incident.
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