Why the New V‑16 Emergency Beacon Matters for ( Hire Car ) Drivers in Menorca, Spain
While political parties and Spanish government debate amongst themselves it remains the current law so Hire Car rental drivers may get caught out. It would be wise to enquire about the hire vehicle having a v16 and understand the use V16 in the event of a breakdown / accident and be aware of the flawed thinking .
Background
From 1 January 2026, all Spain registered cars on Spanish ( Menorca ) roads must carry a V‑16 beacon — a compact flashing amber light that replaces the traditional red warning triangles used to signal breakdowns or accidents. This new device is not just a visual signal, but a connected beacon that transmits a location to Spain’s traffic management system, helping improve roadside safety. Source
The move aims to tackle a long‑standing safety issue: placing warning triangles requires drivers to exit the vehicle and walk along busy roads, putting them at risk of being hit by passing traffic. The V‑16 lets motorists signal their presence without leaving the car, which could help reduce injuries and fatalities on Spain's and Menorca's roads. Source
What This Means for Visitors travelling from UK,France,Germany and Rental Cars Hirers
If you’re travelling from the UK to Spain ( Menorca ) by car and ferry, or hiring a car once you arrive, it’s important to know that the V‑16 requirement is now in force for vehicles on Spanish ( Menorca ) roads. While Spanish‑registered vehicles must carry the beacon, vehicles registered abroad — like UK plates — sitting under international traffic rules can still legally use red triangles in theory. Source
However, in practice, many UK visitors and rental companies are equipping hire cars with an approved V‑16 beacon to avoid confusion and ensure safety. Since relying on triangles alone could be misinterpreted by local enforcement, and because the new beacon offers better visibility and connected alerts, having a V‑16 could be wise even if your car is foreign‑registered. Authorities also stress that enforcement focuses on the absence of a required V‑16 in situations where it should be used at a breakdown — so carrying one removes uncertainty and helps you stay safe.
Hire Cars Red Triangle and V16 beacon
Legally it is the drivers reposibility to ensure all necessary regulated safety equipment is in the car. Beacon must be DGT approved
Before Jan 1 2026 it was compulsory for hire cars to carry TWO red warning triangles and for drivers ensure they were correctly positioned in the event of a breakdown or accident
The triangles must be placed behind and in front of the vehicle to warn approaching traffic. Typical distances are:
- Approximately 30 metres on normal roads or more if vehicle is obscured by bend or top of a hill.
- Up to 100 metres on high-speed roads
V16 placement - with the new law a beacon must be placed in a visible location, ideally high up on the roof ( by winding down the window and placing it without leaving the vehicle )
Pragmatic Thinking !
Apply old common sense! When safe to do so leave the vehicle and move away a safe distance. Place warning triangles intelligently as before ( bends, obscured sightlines). In a sunny climate like Menorca a beacon might not be visible in bright sunshine ( triangles are visible ), switch on the harzards lights!!
Practical Tips
- Drivers with their own cars heading throught countries such as France, Portugal, or Germany etc will still need traditional triangles to comply with local laws - V16 is only recognised in SPAIN.
- When you rent a car on Menorca, check whether a certified, connected V‑16 beacon is included - if not, consider buying or renting DGT approved unit yourself.
- Keep the device within easy reach; when you have to stop on a roadside, place it on the highest point of the car so other drivers can see it clearly. Source
- Emergency triangles aren’t illegal to carry alongside a V‑16, but they no longer satisfy the legal requirement on their own when signalling a stationary vehicle. Source
For holidaymakers and anyone driving on Menorca, Spain in 2026 onwards, understanding and complying with the V‑16 rule isn’t just about avoiding fines — it’s about improving roadside safety for everyone.