Spain driving law warning: the reflective vest detail that could cost you €200

Many drivers have spent months discussing the benefits of a reputable vehicle. V16 emergency beacons, but there’s another safety rule that hasn’t gone anywhere – and ignoring it could land you with a hefty fine. It is a requirement to wear a reflective vest when exiting your vehicle in the event of a breakdown. However, not just any vest can be used. If it isn’t properly approved or easy to access, you could face a €200 penalty – and drivers risk losing licence points as well.

Despite the fact that this rule has been in place for several years, it has become more confusing as new roadside measures have come to the forefront. The traffic authorities remind motorists of the importance of visibility along the roadside, particularly on fast roads. Even a short stop on a road can be dangerous.

Drivers often ignore the Spanish law on reflective vests

Spanish traffic regulations require motorists to carry at least one high-visibility vest inside the passenger compartment – not in the boot. It’s a simple logic: If you have a breakdown, you need to be able put on the vest before you step outside.

Safety experts advise that even though there is only one vest required legally, it’s best to carry one for each passenger. When a vehicle breaks down, it is possible that multiple passengers will need to exit the vehicle. This can be dangerous if they are not properly visible.

Failing to wear the vest while walking on the roadside can result in a €200 fine. The offence may also result in penalty points being added to the driver’s licence.

This rule has been around for a while, but it is still enforced, especially on motorways and roads with poor lighting, where visibility can be critical.

What is the legal approval of a reflective vest in Spain?

Not all bright vests comply with Spanish road safety regulations. For a bright vest to be valid, it must meet the following criteria: reflective vests The EN ISO 20471 standard for high-visibility clothing is the European standard.

It means that the vest should be in approved fluorescent colours, such as yellow, red or orange, and must include reflective stripes wide enough to provide visibility from every angle. Reflective bands are usually wrapped around the torso to be seen under headlights.

The majority of roadside safety vests are classified as Class 2, which means they must contain a minimum of reflective and fluorescent material in order to be visible both during daylight and at night. Cheap novelty vests or decorative reflective garments may not meet these criteria – something many drivers don’t realise until it’s too late.

Emergency triangles and V16 beacons – what drivers should know now

Other roadside equipment has become less reliable since the shift to V16 emergency beacons. The current guidance allows for the use of triangles to complement other roadside equipment. However, motorists must be responsible for their safety if choosing to place them on the road.

Reflective vests are still important for this reason. Even with more advanced warning systems and high-visibility clothing, it’s still considered dangerous to leave a car without this protection.

Road Safety officials continue to stress that the vest is not just a legal formality – it’s one of the simplest ways to reduce accident risk during breakdowns.

The takeaway for drivers is simple: make sure you have a reflective vest that meets EU standards in your reach and not hidden away in the boot. It’s a small detail that can make a significant difference – both for safety and for avoiding an unnecessary fine.

It is worth checking the glove compartment if you drive frequently in Spain.