Spanish Drivers Flock to Andorra for Cheaper V16 Beacons
New Spanish regulations mandate V16 luminous beacons over triangles from January 1, driving shoppers to Andorra for 24-30% savings amid shortages.
Key Points
- Spain mandates V16 beacons with SIM cards from Jan 1, replacing triangles.
- Andorra prices €34-38 vs €50 in Spain (24-30% cheaper).
- High demand causes Spanish shortages; bulk buys common.
- Andorran shops stock DGT-compliant models, boosting cross-border sales.
Drivers from Spain are flocking to Andorra to purchase V16 luminous beacons, replacing emergency triangles under new regulations, drawn by prices up to 30% lower than in Spain.
The Spanish government's announcement several months ago ended the requirement for traditional warning triangles, mandating V16 devices instead from January 1. This change has sparked a surge in cross-border shoppers heading to Andorra la Vella, where the beacons sell for €34 to €38—compared to an average of €50 in Spain. The price gap offers savings of 24% to 30%, according to local reports.
Andorran shops stock models that meet standards set by Spain's Dirección General de Trànsit (DGT), including an integrated SIM card, which is essential for compliance. High demand in Spain has led to widespread shortages, with many stores selling out early and prompting bulk purchases—some buyers have snapped up packs of 12 units to share with family.
ATV news reported the trend, highlighting how the combination of lower costs and product availability has boosted sales in the Principat. Although no fines apply yet for drivers without the V16, many are opting to buy ahead of time to take advantage of Andorra's competitive pricing.
The influx underscores Andorra's appeal as a shopping destination for vehicle safety gear amid Spain's regulatory shift.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources: