November 2025
How to Use Spanish Catalonia’s New Traffic Alert App (Coming in 2026)
If you live in Occitania or frequently drive into Spain, especially across the Le Perthus border, there are important changes coming to Spanish motorways from 2026. Spanish Catalonia is preparing a brand-new safety alert system for drivers, and although it won’t be fully in place until the end of next year, it’s worth knowing what to expect now—especially if you like to avoid surprises on the road.
In particular, the AP-7 motorway—a main route from France into Spain—has seen a sharp increase in accidents in recent years. To improve safety and reduce traffic jams caused by secondary accidents, the Catalan traffic authority (Servei Català de Trànsit, SCT) is developing a modern alert system designed to warn drivers instantly of dangers ahead.
From the end of 2026, everyone driving into southern Catalonia will be ‘encouraged’, if not initially required, to use the new SCT traffic alert app. Find out here how the app works and how to prepare for future trips across the border.
What Is the SCT App?
The Catalan Traffic Service ( SCT or Servei Català de Trànsit) is responsible for managing traffic and road safety in the Catalonia region of Spain. The SCT app is Catalonia’s official traffic-information tool. In 2026, it will receive a major upgrade with a new feature:
👉 Real-time voice alerts about accidents, road closures, flooding, and hazards.
As mentioned above, this upgrade comes in response to a sharp rise in accidents on the AP-7 motorway — the main route from Occitanie into Spain.
How Will It Help You While Driving?
🔊 Voice alerts you can hear clearly
No need to look at a screen. The app will speak to you and warn you of:
- accidents
- stopped traffic
- dangerous weather
- closed lanes
- sudden congestion
Perfect for older drivers who prefer spoken information rather than small text on a phone.
📍 Geolocation
The app knows exactly where you are on the motorway and only warns you about things that affect your specific route.
🚗 Smoother journeys
With earlier warnings, you’ll be able to:
- slow down gradually
- avoid sudden braking
- take alternative routes sooner
- reduce the risk of being stuck in long traffic jams
How to Set Up the App (Once Available)
1. Download from the official store
You will find it on:
Search for: “Servei Català de Trànsit” or “SCT Catalunya”.
2. Allow location access Choose “Allow while using the app” or “Always allow” so it can send you local alerts.
3. Enable voice notifications. This is essential — otherwise you might miss important safety messages.
4. Test an alert at home. The app is expected to include a “test alert” so you can check volume and clarity before driving.
5. Keep mobile data turned on. The alerts need an internet connection.
Data usage will be minimal — similar to a few text messages.
Will the App Be Mandatory?
Authorities have said it will be “necessary” or strongly recommended, especially on the AP-7.
This usually means:
- not legally mandatory
- highly advisable for safety reasons
- potentially required during certain high-traffic periods or weather events
Foreign drivers (including French cars) will be subject to the same safety expectations.
Stay Safe in Spain – Find out more
From 2026, Spain replaces warning triangles with a flashing connected beacon called a V16 — but only for Spanish-registered cars.
Current information suggests foreign vehicles may continue using their standard warning triangles when driving in Spain, but there is little doubt that the V16 is safer and recommended.