From January 2026, Spain will enforce three major changes to traffic and road safety regulation, directly impacting daily journeys for motorists and vulnerable road users. The mandatory V-16 connected emergency beacon, the introduction of the national 018 helpline for road crash victims, and new compulsory liability insurance for personal mobility vehicles are set to transform the country's approach to transport safety.
These legislative updates bring Spain closer in line with the European Commission's long-standing recommendations to cut fatalities and injuries across both urban and interurban roads. Last year, 1,785 deaths were recorded on Spanish roads, highlighting the ongoing need for improved measures. The build-up to these new rules has prompted extensive public debate, notably around the V-16 connected beacon, where concerns over privacy and cost saw the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) issue repeated clarifications amid widespread misinformation on social media.
V-16 Emergency Beacon Replaces Warning Triangles
From 1 January 2026, all private cars, vans, buses and non-specialised lorries in Spain must carry a connected V-16 warning beacon. This replaces the traditional emergency warning triangle. The shift is designed to lower the risk of roadside accidents, as every year around 25 people are killed after leaving their vehicles to set up a warning triangle. The new beacon allows drivers to remain with the doors shut, as it signals their location without them stepping onto the roadway.
The system's operation is straightforward: once switched on, it automatically transmits the vehicle's precise position to Spain's DGT 3.0 platform. This real-time location is then relayed to nearby drivers via overhead displays and GPS-linked navigation services. For correct use, the user simply activates the device and places it on the roof or a highly visible flat area, usually by rolling down the window. The beacon is fully portable and requires no hardwiring, ensuring rapid deployment in emergencies.
Privacy, Certification and Usage Clarified
The DGT has categorically dismissed suggestions of compromised privacy. Authorities note: "Beacons are completely anonymous and are not linked to any registration plate, vehicle or individual. If someone owns two vehicles, the same beacon can be used for both." The transmitted signal holds only geo-coordinates and no further data. This is seen as key to allaying concerns of widespread driver surveillance.
Before purchasing, drivers are urged to check the DGT website for an up-to-date list of certified and approved beacons. Four models were recently removed from this list due to administrative formalities, not technical failings—existing owners can use these beacons until their designated end of life, twelve years from their manufacture. Usage rates suggest rapid public adoption, as the DGT 3.0 platform is receiving around 500 to 600 activations daily, indicating wide early compliance.
National 018 Support Line for Road Crash Victims
The 018 helpline will launch nationwide for victims of road incidents, a major demand from advocacy organisations. No confirmed start date has been published, but the service is expected during the first quarter. Despite long-term trends showing a falling total, annual fatalities have stabilised at around 1,700, signalling persistent risk and demand for ongoing support.
The new 018 telephone service, overseen by the Dirección General de Tráfico, is described as "a free, nationwide support line for victims, their families and the affected public", staffed by trained social workers, psychologists and legal advisors. Callers will receive not just immediate assistance but continuing case follow-up and coordination with relevant social and victim support groups. Accessibility measures are guaranteed for users with hearing or speech disabilities, supporting a wide range of needs.
Mandatory Insurance for E-Scooters and Lightweight Personal Vehicles
Personal mobility devices, particularly e-scooters, come under a compulsory third-party liability insurance regime from 2026. Although legislation was passed in July 2025 and the initial start date was set for 2 January 2026, final implementation will wait until a new DGT-maintained vehicle registry is fully operational. However, an exception applies for e-scooters over 25 kg and those with max speeds above 14 km/h: these must be insured from 26 January 2026, regardless of registry status.
The measure tackles the sharp rise in urban road incidents linked to e-scooters. In 2025 alone, there were 7,423 incidents with injuries, 19 fatalities and 459 hospital admissions—a significant increase on prior years. Spain's Legal Act 5/2025 mandates a minimum personal injury cover of €6,450,000 per accident, regardless of victim count, and €1,300,000 for property damage. A fine of up to €1,000 will be imposed if insurance is not secured by the deadline.
Lowering Drink-Drive Limits Still Under Review
The long-anticipated reduction in Spain's legal blood alcohol limit remains on hold in Parliament. The proposed new limit would be a single 0.20g/l for all drivers (down from 0.50g/l), converting into a near zero-tolerance regime. The reform has passed initial stages but awaits final approval from the relevant committee. Supporters including the DGT and the Minister of the Interior cite "no excuse" for delay and reference European Commission and NGO backing for the new threshold. Countries like Sweden and Norway have long held blood-alcohol limits of 0.2g/l, which studies confirm are effective at reducing accidents linked to alcohol consumption. Should Spain pass this regulation, it will join these European leaders in traffic safety policy.