EU and Spain mandate new vehicle safety devices from 2026

From 7 July 2026 the European Union’s GSR 2 regulation obliges all newly registered passenger cars and light commercial vehicles to be equipped with a range of active and passive safety systems. Mandatory features include a driver‑attention monitoring camera that sounds alerts when the driver looks away for more than six seconds, upgraded automatic emergency braking that can detect cyclists and pedestrians, and improved protection for pedestrian heads and forward visibility for light‑utility vehicles. The rules apply to all new‑car sales across the EU; existing vehicles are not required to be retro‑fitted.

Separately, Spain’s Directorate‑General for Traffic announced that from 1 January 2026 every vehicle travelling on Spanish roads must carry a V‑16 luminous beacon – an orange‑flashing device that replaces the traditional warning triangle. The beacon must be mounted high on the vehicle and transmits its position via the DGT 3.0 platform. Failure to display the beacon can result in a fine of up to €200, and the devices typically cost around €40. French motorists planning trips to Spain will need to acquire a compatible V‑16 unit.