Spain introduces major changes in 2026: the V-16 emergency beacon replaces warning triangles, a new emergency corridor law requires drivers to create passage for emergency vehicles, e-scooters now require registration and insurance, and from 1 October a flashing amber for vehicles can no longer coincide with a green pedestrian signal.
Flashing Amber Banned While Pedestrians Have Green
Effective October 1, 2026
High impact
On the theory test
Before
Flashing amber + pedestrian green allowed
At crossings with a pedestrian signal, councils could show vehicles a flashing amber (proceed with caution, give way) while pedestrians had a steady green
After (2026)
Steady red while pedestrians have green
As a general rule the vehicle signal must show steady red while the pedestrian signal is green, and any flashing amber phase must be preceded by steady red (Annex I RGC, as amended by RD 518/2026)
Vehicle equipment
V-16 Emergency Beacon Replaces Warning Triangles
Effective January 1, 2026
High impact
On the theory test
Before
Warning triangles
Two warning triangles required, placed 50m in front and behind vehicle on breakdown
After (2026)
V-16 connected beacon
Connected V-16 beacon with GPS and SIM card, placed on vehicle roof without exiting on dangerous roads
Safety rules
Emergency Corridor (Carril de Emergencia)
Effective January 1, 2026
High impact
On the theory test
Before
No specific rule
Drivers moved aside as they saw fit when emergency vehicles approached
After (2026)
Mandatory corridor formation
Left lane moves left, right lanes move right to create central corridor. On 3+ lane roads, corridor between leftmost and adjacent lane
Licensing
E-Scooter Registration and Insurance Required
Effective January 2, 2026
High impact
On the theory test
Before
No registration needed
E-scooters (VMP) could be used without registration or insurance
After (2026)
Registration + insurance mandatory
All e-scooters must be registered with DGT and have third-party liability insurance
Safety rules
DGT 3.0 Connected Vehicle Alerts
Effective January 1, 2026
Medium impact
Before
No connected alerts
Drivers relied on radio, signs, and visual observation for hazards
After (2026)
Real-time hazard alerts
Connected vehicles and V-16 beacons receive automatic alerts about accidents, breakdowns, and emergency vehicles ahead
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy a V-16 beacon by January 2026?
Yes. From January 1, 2026, all Spanish-registered vehicles must carry a connected V-16 beacon instead of warning triangles. The beacon must have GPS and a SIM card to connect to DGT 3.0. Prices range from €30-80. Warning: many cheap beacons sold online do NOT meet the connected requirement.
What if I'm driving a foreign-registered car in Spain?
Foreign vehicles can continue using warning triangles or whatever emergency signaling device is legal in their country of registration, per the 1968 Vienna Convention. However, if you live in Spain with a Spanish-registered car, you need the V-16.
How does the emergency corridor work on Spanish motorways?
When traffic slows or stops, drivers in the left lane move toward the left hard shoulder, and all other lanes move right. This creates a clear corridor for emergency vehicles. On motorways with 3+ lanes, the corridor forms between the leftmost lane and the one next to it. Form it immediately when traffic slows - don't wait for sirens.
Do I need insurance for my e-scooter in Spain now?
Yes. From January 2, 2026, all e-scooters (VMP - Vehículos de Movilidad Personal) must be registered with DGT and have third-party liability insurance. Riders must be at least 16 years old. This brings Spain in line with other EU countries like Germany.
Does flashing amber disappear from Spanish traffic lights in October 2026?
No. Royal Decree 518/2026 keeps the flashing amber light and its meaning (slow down, give way if needed). From 1 October 2026 it only rules out one combination: at a crossing with its own pedestrian signal, vehicles may not see flashing amber while pedestrians see steady green, and the amber phase must follow a steady red. The decree sets no deadline for councils to reprogramme signals.
Sources & methodology
All rule changes are sourced from official government transport agencies and legal publications. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government agency. Rules may be subject to change before their effective dates.
