It is common to travel by car between Portugal and Spain, be careful: as of January 1, 2026, the signal triangles will no longer be mandatory in Spain. In this case, a V-16 luminous device will be required, such as the Help Flash, which allows you to signal malfunctions or accidents safely and efficiently without requiring the vehicle to exit.
But what does this mean for Portuguese drivers traveling to Spain? And for you espanhóis what do you see for Portugal? A Help Flash clarifies.
Currently, both in Portugal and Spain, all drivers are required to use warning triangles in the event of vehicle immobilization on the road.
However, starting next year, Spain will be the first European country to replace the classic triangles with the luminous V-16 device connected as the Help Flash. This innovative equipment that helps save lives is placed on the roof of a car or motorcycle and emits a flashing light visible at 360º and at a great distance (up to 1 km), making signaling faster, safer and more effective.
According to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which regulates the international circulation of vehicles, the countries visited must oil the devices required for vehicles registered in our states. Ou seja:
- Spanish drivers traveling to Portugal: we can only use the V-16 device.
- Portuguese drivers traveling to Spain: will be able to comply with the law by taking the triangle.
But in both cases, Help Flash advises that, in order to facilitate dialogue with local authorities who may not be fully familiar with international rules, Spanish drivers continue to draw the triangle with them during trips to Portugal and that the Portuguese will carry out Help Flash when relocating to the country in question.
Why is the V-16 going to officially replace the triangle in Spain?
Moving has a simple reason: more security. Currently, placing the triangles on the road forces the driver to leave the car and walk tens of meters along the shoulder or along the road itself, which represents a very high cliff, especially on highways and roads with heavy traffic.
The Help Flash V-16 can be activated from inside the car and placed on the roof without the driver facing the road, significantly reducing the risk of being run over.
Furthermore, the connected models allow the damaged or damaged vehicle to be sent to its location automatically to the authorities, improving the speed of the responses of the emergency services.
Prepare for the future of road safety
I am never too willing to invest in your security. If you don't have Help Flash, this is another excellent opportunity to acquire yours. Be careful when moving and traveling always with your device Help Flash at “mão”.
It is not simple: greater visibility means more security!
