Sometimes, a simple object hidden in your car’s glove box can save you from a costly mistake — or even a fine that ruins your week.
Recently, the Guardia Civil in Spain has launched a wave of vehicle inspections, and yes, they are opening glove boxes. Their mission? To ensure drivers are following road safety laws and carrying all required documentation and safety equipment.
At first glance, it may sound excessive — why focus on something as harmless as a glove box? But as one officer explained, “the smallest detail can make the biggest difference in an emergency.”
And here’s the truth: if you’re missing certain mandatory items or carrying something considered dangerous, you could face fines ranging from €601 to €3,005. Let’s explore what this means for you, and more importantly, how you can avoid becoming one of those unlucky drivers.
What the Guardia Civil Is Looking for Inside Your Glove Box
According to the latest traffic control campaign, the Guardia Civil’s inspection goes beyond checking your driving license or registration papers. Officers are now paying attention to what you store inside your glove compartment — and this includes both forbidden objects and missing safety tools.
1. Dangerous or Prohibited Objects
It may seem obvious, but carrying knives, firearms, or even heavy metal tools that could be perceived as weapons is strictly prohibited. Under Spain’s Citizen Security Law, such items can lead to severe penalties — sometimes well over €600.
Even multi-tools or sharp devices you might use for camping can be misinterpreted during a traffic check. To stay safe, keep them at home or locked away in your trunk.
2. The V16 Emergency Light — Small, Cheap, and Mandatory
Perhaps the most surprising requirement is the V16 emergency light. Starting January 2026, this small but powerful beacon becomes mandatory in all vehicles in Spain. The DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) insists that the light should be kept within easy reach, ideally inside the glove box, so drivers can use it quickly in case of breakdowns or accidents.
Failing to carry this light may not only get you fined — it could also put you at risk during a roadside emergency.
👉 Pro tip: The Help Flash V16 3.0 and Osram LEDSL 105 are among the most popular and certified options. They’re affordable (starting around €25–€50) and fully approved by the DGT. Having one isn’t just about avoiding a fine — it’s about protecting yourself and others.
The True Cost of Ignoring These Rules — More Than Just a Fine
Let’s imagine it. You’re driving peacefully, the music’s playing, and suddenly, blue lights flash behind you. The officer asks you to pull over. Everything seems fine — until they open your glove box and realize you’re missing that one small light.
That’s when the fine of €601 to €3,005 becomes very real.
The Guardia Civil’s current campaign is part of a national effort to raise awareness about road safety and preparedness. But it also serves as a strong warning: keeping your car in order isn’t optional anymore — it’s essential.
And while fines for missing documents like your driving license or expired ITV can already hurt, failing to comply with safety measures or carrying dangerous objects is even worse. These are classified as serious or very serious offenses under Spain’s Traffic Regulation and Citizen Security Law.
Still, there’s a silver lining. You can prevent all this with just a few small steps — and one smart purchase.
How to Stay Compliant — and Safe on the Road
Before you hit the road again, take ten minutes to check your glove box. It’s that simple.
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Remove unnecessary or dangerous items: Knives, tools, or sharp objects shouldn’t be stored there.
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Keep your documents current: Driving license, circulation permit, and ITV — make sure they’re valid.
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Add your V16 emergency light: The DGT-approved versions with geolocation, such as Help Flash V16 3.0, are the best choice.
You can easily find these lights online at Amazon or AliExpress, starting at €25, and some even include free shipping. That’s far less than the €601 fine you’d face without it.
If you think about it, this isn’t just about avoiding penalties — it’s about peace of mind. Because one day, when your car breaks down in the rain or on a dark road, you’ll be thankful for that little flashing beacon sitting quietly in your glove box.
Final Thoughts — A Small Light That Could Save You Hundreds of Euros
This latest Guardia Civil initiative is not about punishing drivers. It’s about reminding us that safety begins with responsibility — and sometimes, that responsibility fits in the palm of your hand.
So before your next trip, take a moment. Open your glove box. Remove the clutter. Add what’s essential.
Because in the end, it’s better to spend €30 today on a V16 emergency light than €3,000 tomorrow on a fine that could have been avoided.
Sometimes, the smallest precautions shine the brightest on the road.