13/11/2025
If you drive a car in Spain remember that the emergency light is mandatory from January 2026.
🚨 The Truth About the “€30,000 Fine” for Using the V16 Light in Spain
In recent days, several Spanish media outlets have claimed that the Guardia Civil is fining drivers up to €30,000 for switching on the new V16 emergency beacon without a real reason.
Let’s clear this up. 👇
Yes... in theory, Spanish law allows fines of up to €30,000 for serious false alarms that mobilise emergency services unnecessarily, but this is not a new “traffic fine” and not something drivers will face for simply pressing their V16 light by mistake.
The V16 beacon which will replace the old warning triangles from 1 January 2026 sends your vehicle’s location to DGT 3.0, Spain’s connected traffic system. Its purpose is to make roadside stops much safer, without drivers having to walk onto the road to place a triangle.
✅ What you should know:
The €30,000 figure mentioned in the press refers to very serious cases under “false emergency” laws, not ordinary traffic situations.
👉🏼 Accidental activations or tests that are quickly cancelled won’t be penalised.
👉🏼 The Guardia Civil has not issued an official new fine notice of €30,000 for the V16 light.
👉🏼 From January 2026, all vehicles must carry an approved, connected V16 beacon instead of warning triangles.
👉🏼 Failing to carry a compliant light after that date could result in a €200 fine... that’s the real figure that applies to motorists.
In short: don’t be alarmed by sensational headlines. The V16 light is an important step forward for road safety, but there’s no need to fear a €30,000 fine for using it by mistake.
Car Registrations Spain 🇪🇸 🇪🇺
