Goodbye to warning triangles: from 1 July, they can be replaced by the V-16 light

For several years now, emergency warning triangles have been an essential accessory in our vehicles. Virtually all of us have had to use these reflective devices in the event of an accident or an untimely breakdown that forces us to stop on the hard shoulder of the road. But the days of this warning device are numbered, because the V-16 emergency light is coming into play and will be mandatory from 2026.

For now, this type of warning signal can still be used until that date, but the DGT intends that from 1 July it will become legal to stop using triangles and gradually replace them with the V-16 emergency light. Little by little, this system will be integrated, more practical, more useful, and allowing the stopped vehicle to be seen from a greater distance.

V-16 light for signalling a breakdown

The use of the V-16 emergency light was explained in a previous article, so you can read it to see how it should be used. But if you want to start using this new signalling method, you should bear in mind that it will soon be mandatory for them to include a geolocation system.

For now, this system is not mandatory, but it will soon have to be included in the V-16 emergency light. Currently, most, if not all, units of this device on sale lack this feature. So if you buy one, bear in mind that from 2026, when it becomes mandatory, it must have geolocation. If it does not have it, it will need to be replaced with one that does.

For now, and until 2026, you can still use warning triangles, but it is better to gradually replace them with the new V-16 emergency light. Bear in mind, however, that it is best to wait until you have a model that includes geolocation so that you can keep using it from 2026 onwards.