🚨 Mandatory V-16 Beacons in Mallorca 2026: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning a road trip through the Tramuntana mountains or heading to a hidden cove in Santanyí this year, there’s a new travel essential you need to know about. As of 1 January 2026, the rules for breaking down on Spanish roads have officially changed.

Forget the old-school reflective triangles. From now on, it’s all about the V-16 connected beacon.

💡 What actually is a V-16 Beacon?

It’s a small, palm-sized amber light that magnetically snaps onto the roof of your car. The big deal here is the "connected" part. These devices aren’t just flashes of light; they have built-in SIM cards that send your exact GPS coordinates to the DGT 3.0 (Spain's traffic authority) the moment you turn them on.

This helps emergency services find you faster and alerts other drivers through their sat-navs before they even see you.

🔍 What other sites aren't telling you

Most guides mention the law, but they miss the specific details that matter for people visiting Mallorca:

• The Rental Car Trap: If you’re hiring a car from Palma Airport, the rental company must provide a compliant, connected V-16 beacon. Check the device before you leave the car park. If it doesn't have the DGT-approved code (starting with LCOE or IDIADA), ask for a swap to avoid a potential €200 fine.

• The Privacy Myth: Many people worry about being "tracked." The beacon’s GPS only activates when you turn it on during an emergency. It doesn’t record your speed or your late-night trips to the local panadería.

• Mountain Blind Spots: Mallorca’s mountains have "dead zones." The V-16 uses an NB-IoT network, which has better reach than standard mobile signals. Even if your phone has no bars, the beacon is designed to punch through.

• The "No-Exit" Rule: In Mallorca, many roads have zero hard shoulder. If you break down, lower the window, pop the beacon on the roof, and stay inside with your seatbelt on. Never walk on the tarmac to set up old triangles; it’s now considered a major safety risk.

🔍 What You Aren't Being Told

Most news outlets focus on the €200 fine for not having a beacon. However, for a tourist in Mallorca, there are three critical gaps that could ruin your trip:

1. The "Pirate Tow Truck" Risk

Because your breakdown location is broadcast to a digital platform, "pirate" tow truck operators in Mallorca are now using this data to find stranded motorists.

Warning: These unauthorised trucks may arrive before your official rental assistance. They often demand "on-the-spot" cash payments and are not covered by your insurance. Always verify the ID of a tow truck driver before they touch your car.

2. The Glass Roof Dilemma

Mallorca is famous for its convertible and panoramic-roof rental cars. However, V-16 beacons are magnetic.

• The Problem: If you rent an EV or a car with a glass roof, the beacon won't stick.

• The Solution: Check your rental’s glovebox for a beacon that includes a suction cup adapter or an adhesive base. If it only has a magnet, it is useless on a glass roof.

3. The "Dead Battery" Rental Trap

V-16 beacons use lithium batteries designed to last years in standby. However, in high-turnover rental fleets, devices are often left "on" by previous users or the batteries expire.

• Pro Tip: Do a 2-second "test click" at the rental desk. A dead beacon is legally the same as having no beacon at all.

🏙️ Palma’s Low Emission Zone (ZBE) & ACIRE

It’s not just the beacons that are new. If you’re driving into Palma, you need to be aware of the ZBE (Low Emission Zone). As of 2026, all cities in Spain with over 50,000 residents must have these zones. Most rental cars are fine, but if you’re driving an older personal car, you need an environmental sticker.

Also, keep an eye out for ACIRE signs in the old town. These are "Residents Only" zones. If you follow your sat-nav blindly into an ACIRE street, you’ll get a fine. If your hotel is inside one of these zones, you must give them your number plate in advance so they can "white-list" you with the local police.

📋 One last thing...

To make sure you don't get caught out by the Guardia Civil, here is a quick checklist of everything that needs to be in your car while driving in Mallorca this year:

• V-16 Connected Beacon: (Or triangles for non-Spanish plates).

• Reflective Jackets: One for every occupant. These must be kept inside the cabin, not in the boot.

• Spare Tyre or Repair Kit: Plus the tools to use them.

• Documentation: Driving licence, Passport (as ID), Insurance, and V5C (or rental agreement).

• UK Sticker: Mandatory on the rear of all UK-registered cars in Spain.

Check out if you really need a car in Mallorca and if you need an International Driving Permit in Mallorca (Opens in a new tab)

Looking for more Mallorca tips?

Check out these posts you’ll love:

• Best Beaches in Mallorca

• Where to Stay in Mallorca

• Things to Do in Mallorca

• Travel Guide

Happy holidays and ¡nos vemos en la isla! 🌞