Spain 2026 Driving Rule Changes
Official Source: Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT)
Last Updated: 15 January 2026
Summary
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, and e-scooters now require registration and insurance.
Key Changes
V-16 Emergency Beacon Replaces Warning Triangles
Effective 1 January 2026
Warning triangles
Two warning triangles required, placed 50m in front and behind vehicle on breakdown
V-16 connected beacon
Connected V-16 beacon with GPS and SIM card, placed on vehicle roof without exiting on dangerous roads
Official Source: DGT Official Announcement
Instructor's Tip
“The V-16 beacon is safer because you don't have to exit your vehicle on motorways. It connects to DGT 3.0 and automatically alerts other drivers. Make sure your beacon is DGT-approved with the connected feature - basic V-16 lights without GPS/SIM are NOT legal.”
Emergency Corridor (Carril de Emergencia)
Effective 1 January 2026
No specific rule
Drivers moved aside as they saw fit when emergency vehicles approached
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
Official Source: DGT Article 32 Reform
Instructor's Tip
“This is the "Rettungsgasse" system used in Germany since the 1970s. Form the corridor as soon as traffic slows, not when you hear sirens. DGT 3.0 will send alerts to connected vehicles before emergency vehicles even arrive.”
E-Scooter Registration and Insurance Required
Effective 2 January 2026
No registration needed
E-scooters (VMP) could be used without registration or insurance
Registration + insurance mandatory
All e-scooters must be registered with DGT and have third-party liability insurance
Official Source: DGT VMP Regulations
Instructor's Tip
“E-scooters are now treated more like vehicles than toys. You need to register with DGT, get insurance, and riders must be at least 16 years old. Helmets remain mandatory.”
Changes by Category
⚠️Penalties & Fines(1)
Mobile Phone Penalty Remains at 6 Points
Effective 1 January 2026
3 points (until 2022)
Mobile phone use was 3 points and €200 fine
6 points, €200 fine
Doubled points penalty continues; holding phone even without use is penalized
Official Source: BOE Traffic Regulations
🔧Vehicle Equipment(1)
V-16 Emergency Beacon Replaces Warning Triangles
Effective 1 January 2026
Warning triangles
Two warning triangles required, placed 50m in front and behind vehicle on breakdown
V-16 connected beacon
Connected V-16 beacon with GPS and SIM card, placed on vehicle roof without exiting on dangerous roads
Official Source: DGT Official Announcement
📋Licensing(1)
E-Scooter Registration and Insurance Required
Effective 2 January 2026
No registration needed
E-scooters (VMP) could be used without registration or insurance
Registration + insurance mandatory
All e-scooters must be registered with DGT and have third-party liability insurance
Official Source: DGT VMP Regulations
🛡️Safety Rules(2)
Emergency Corridor (Carril de Emergencia)
Effective 1 January 2026
No specific rule
Drivers moved aside as they saw fit when emergency vehicles approached
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
Official Source: DGT Article 32 Reform
DGT 3.0 Connected Vehicle Alerts
Effective 1 January 2026
No connected alerts
Drivers relied on radio, signs, and visual observation for hazards
Real-time hazard alerts
Connected vehicles and V-16 beacons receive automatic alerts about accidents, breakdowns, and emergency vehicles ahead
Official Source: DGT 3.0 Platform
Instructor Tips
Re: V-16 Emergency Beacon Replaces Warning Triangles
Instructor's Tip
“The V-16 beacon is safer because you don't have to exit your vehicle on motorways. It connects to DGT 3.0 and automatically alerts other drivers. Make sure your beacon is DGT-approved with the connected feature - basic V-16 lights without GPS/SIM are NOT legal.”
Re: Emergency Corridor (Carril de Emergencia)
Instructor's Tip
“This is the "Rettungsgasse" system used in Germany since the 1970s. Form the corridor as soon as traffic slows, not when you hear sirens. DGT 3.0 will send alerts to connected vehicles before emergency vehicles even arrive.”
Re: E-Scooter Registration and Insurance Required
Instructor's Tip
“E-scooters are now treated more like vehicles than toys. You need to register with DGT, get insurance, and riders must be at least 16 years old. Helmets remain mandatory.”
Re: Mobile Phone Penalty Remains at 6 Points
Instructor's Tip
“The 6-point penalty that started in 2022 continues. For new drivers with only 8 points, one phone violation uses up 75% of your points. Use hands-free or pull over safely.”
Re: DGT 3.0 Connected Vehicle Alerts
Instructor's Tip
“DGT 3.0 is Spain's connected vehicle platform. When someone activates a V-16 beacon, nearby connected vehicles get warned automatically. This system also alerts you to form the emergency corridor before you even see the ambulance.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy a V-16 beacon by January 2026?
What if I'm driving a foreign-registered car in Spain?
How does the emergency corridor work on Spanish motorways?
Do I need insurance for my e-scooter in Spain now?
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.
Information last verified: 2026-01-15
Primary Sources:
- Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) — Official regulatory body
- DGT Official Announcement — V-16 Emergency Beacon Replaces Warning Triangles
- DGT Article 32 Reform — Emergency Corridor (Carril de Emergencia)
- DGT VMP Regulations — E-Scooter Registration and Insurance Required
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