New Rules of the Road in Spain

New Rules for Driving in Spain


Since the start of the year, 1st January 2026, there are some significant adjustments to the Spanish equivalent of The Highway Code. 

[Image courtesy of N332]

The most important changes are:

1. Everybody travelling in a vehicle must wear a seatbelt, including taxi drivers, delivery drivers, driving instructors and pregnant mothers, all of whom were previously exempt.

2. In the event of an emergency, warning triangles are OUT and V16 beacons are IN. But not the type we were encouraged to buy for the last couple of years. The DGT has changed the requirement at the 11th hour. 

_{V16 beacon [Ryme Automotive]}

The beacons now have to be homologised and contain a chip to indicate to the rescue services via GPS where the breakdown has occurred.

A great idea to be sure, but why so last-minute when many of us had already bought a non-clever-dick-version? 

And, by the way, what was wrong with triangles in any case? Pedro, you're beginning to get on this socialist's nerves!   

[N332]

© Paul Whitelock 

Sources:

DGT, SUR in English, The Olive Press, Wikipedia 

Pix:

N332, Ryme Automotive

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