Spain offers €25,000 to drivers losing licenses amid v16 controversy

Madrid – Spain is taking an unusual approach to driver safety, offering a €25,000 financial incentive to those who voluntarily surrender their driving licenses for a five-year period. This unprecedented move coincides with ongoing debate and controversy surrounding the mandatory V16 beacon system, which replaced traditional hazard triangles on January 1, 2026.

V16 beacon mandate: enforcement lacks focus

The V16 system, designed to reduce the roughly 20 annual fatalities linked to drivers exiting their vehicles on roadways, has been mandatory since the start of the year. However, the Ministry of Interior, led by Fernando Grande-Marlaska, has indicated a lack of immediate focus on routine checks for compliance, unlike regulations surrounding alcohol and drug use.

Marlaska addressed concerns in the Congress of Deputies on February 25th, clarifying that while the V16 is legally required, the government isn't prioritizing random inspections to verify its presence.