European Motorhome Driving Essentials
Safety Equipment (Mandatory in Most EU Countries)
European Motorhome Driving Essentials
The European laws require certain safety items in your car. Pack these essentials:
- Warning triangle (compulsory in most countries, including Spain).
- High-visibility vest (must be accessible without leaving the car – Spain enforces this strictly).
- Spare bulbs (recommended, as some countries fine you for broken lights).
Special Requirement for Spain:
- Two warning triangles are required (one for the front and one for the rear if you break down).
- Breathalyzers were previously mandatory but are now only recommended (make sure if you do carry breathalizers that they are in date)
- New Laws on V16 Warning Lights in Spain (Replacing Traditional Warning Triangles)Spain has introduced a major change in breakdown safety regulations, allowing drivers to use approved V16 emergency warning lights instead of traditional warning triangles. This update is part of Spain’s move toward digital and connected vehicle safety systems.Here’s what you need to know about the new V16 light laws and how they affect drivers in Spain.
What Are V16 Warning Lights?
- New Laws on V16 Warning Lights in Spain (Replacing Traditional Warning Triangles)Spain has introduced a major change in breakdown safety regulations, allowing drivers to use approved V16 emergency warning lights instead of traditional warning triangles. This update is part of Spain’s move toward digital and connected vehicle safety systems.Here’s what you need to know about the new V16 light laws and how they affect drivers in Spain.
V16 lights are LED beacons that can be placed on the roof of a vehicle in case of a breakdown or accident. 
- They are highly visible (up to 1 km away) and designed to replace (or supplement) traditional warning triangles.
- Many modern V16 models are GPS-connected, automatically alerting emergency services of your location via Spain’s DGT 3.0 digital system.
Key Changes in Spanish Law (2021-2026 Transition Period)
Since July 2021, Spain has allowed V16 lights as an alternative to warning triangles, but with a transition period until 2026, when triangles will be fully phased out.
Current Rules (2024):
✅ Both V16 lights AND warning triangles are accepted (but only one is required).
✅ V16 lights must be approved (look for homologation code “V-16”).
✅ Must be placed on the vehicle’s roof (not on the road like triangles).
✅ Must emit 360° flashing amber light (visible day and night).
From 2026:
⚠️ Warning triangles will NO LONGER be valid – only DGT-approved V16 lights will be accepted.
Why Is Spain Switching to V16 Lights?
-
- Safer for Drivers – No need to walk on the road to place triangles (a major hazard on highways).
- Faster Emergency Response – GPS-connected models alert authorities automatically.
- Better Visibility – LED beacons are more noticeable than reflective triangles.
- Digital Integration – Part of Spain’s push for smart road safety systems.
More on EU Breakdown Legal Requirements
This page is a guide – Always do your own research
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