- From 1 January 2026, the connected V-16 device will be the only legal means of signalling immobilised vehicles and will replace emergency warning triangles.
- Each year in Spain, around 25 people die after being run over on roads, having exited their vehicles. The new regulation intends to prevent these risks and reduce drivers’ exposure to traffic.
- Data transmitted by the V-16 is anonymised. DGT oreceives the location of the immobilised vehicle when you activate the beacon.. You do not need to download an app or provide any personal data.
- Before purchasing, you can check on the DGT website which V-16 brands and models are certified in accordance with regulations. All must be certified by IDIADA or LCOE.
- Residents of Spain are reminded of the importance of consulting official sources to avoid misinformation, which has also affected information about the V-16.
With only weeks to go before the obligation to carry a connected V-16 warning beacon in vehicles comes into force, on 1 January 2026, DGT reminds all drivers of the need to have an approved device to signal breakdowns and accidents on the road. This device will definitively replace emergency triangles and aims to reduce road accidents.
Remember that around 25 people die each year in Spain after vehicles run them over, many while they attempt to signal a breakdown or place warning triangles. The new regulation prevents these risks and significantly reduces drivers’ exposure to traffic.
In fact, some countries such as the United Kingdom have advised against the use of triangles on high-capacity roads. They consider it dangerous for occupants to leave the vehicle to place them. The V-16 responds to the same safety criterion, while also adding technological connectivity. On the one hand, the flashing light protects occupants by providing physical visibility; on the other, the system actively warns other drivers via navigators, mobility apps and variable message panels, allowing them to react safely to a stopped vehicle on the road.
According to the Director-General of Traffic, Pere Navarro, “the implementation of the connected V-16 represents a step forward and positions us as European leaders in road safety. It allows signalling without leaving the vehicle, avoids unnecessary risks and provides vital information to other road users. Warning triangles have served their purpose for twenty-six years, but technological progress allows us to continue improving. Our commitment is to reduce run-over accidents and protect people in emergency situations.”
Which vehicles must carry it?
In accordance with Annex XII of the General Vehicle Regulations, the vehicles required to carry this device—the only authorised means of signalling a breakdown or incident on the road—are passenger cars, vans, buses, mixed-use vehicles, lorries and non-special vehicle combinations. For motorcycles, authorities strongly recommend using it for safety reasons, even though the law does not require it.
The V-16 operates completely autonomously with an integrated SIM card. It does not require a mobile phone or any external applications. Telecommunications companies do not charge extra for this service. Regulations guarantee at least 12 years of connectivity included in the purchase price.
How to use the V-16
Store the beacon fully charged in the glove compartment or another accessible place inside the vehicle. If you need to use it, switch it on and place it from inside the vehicle at the highest possible point to maximise visibility.. If you cannot place it on the roof, as with buses and lorries, place it on the driver’s door.
Once activated and positioned, in addition to emitting the flashing light signal, it automatically transmits the exact location of the broken-down vehicle to the DGT 3.0 platform, so that drivers travelling through the affected area receive this information via navigators, mobility applications or variable message panels.
Once activated, and in accordance with Article 130.3 of Royal Decree 1428/2003 approving the General Traffic Regulations, in the event of an accident or breakdown, as a general rule, if the vehicle is immobilised and cannot continue, occupants must leave the vehicle whenever there is a safe place outside the roadway. In all cases, they must exit on the side opposite the flow of traffic and must not walk or remain on traffic lanes or shoulders. If traffic conditions do not allow occupants to leave the vehicle safely, they must remain inside with seat belts fastened.
Therefore, it is up to the driver to assess whether it is safe to leave the vehicle.
Which connected V-16 model should I buy?
There are more than 200 connected V-16 models on the market, with prices set by the market itself. A quick and simple way for citizens to check whether the beacon they intend to purchase is approved and certified is to consult the DGT website, in the V-16 section, which lists certified brands and models in accordance with regulations. All must be certified by IDIADA or LCOE, the authorised technical laboratories that confirm compliance with the required standards.
Clearing up doubts and false information
The introduction of the connected V-16 has generated doubts fuelled by incorrect or incomplete information, mainly on social media. Citizens are reminded of the importance of relying on official sources to avoid misinformation.
Below are clarifications of the main myths:
The V-16 will not really be mandatory FALSE – The General Vehicle Regulations establish the obligation, which comes into force on 1 January 2026. From that date, the connected V-16 will be the only valid signalling device for immobilised vehicles.
The V-16 tracks me all the time or sends my personal data FALSE – The V-16 only transmits the vehicle’s location when activated and solely for safety purposes. It does not record speed, does not track movements, and does not transmit personal data or identify the registration number. The data received by DGT is anonymised. The Spanish Data Protection Agency has confirmed that the beacon is not associated with a person or licence plate.
Any connected V-16 will do FALSE – Only approved beacons listed by DGT after certified testing are valid. They must display the laboratory name and certificate number. Using an uncertified device is neither valid nor safe.
It needs an app or a mobile phone to work FALSE – The V-16 already includes all necessary components, such as a GPS chip and a non-removable SIM card operating on telecommunications networks. You do not need any apps, phones, or pairing.
There will be a connectivity subscription fee FALSE – The purchase price includes connectivity, with a mandatory minimum availability of 12 years at no extra cost.
It does not work in tunnels or areas without coverage FALSE – The beacon uses specialised IoT networks capable of operating in difficult conditions. If no network is available, it will still function as a visual warning signal.
The V-16 calls emergency services or roadside assistance FALSE – The V-16 does not call emergency services nor determine the nature of the incident. Its sole function is signalling and sending location data. The user must make any emergency or assistance call.
Warning triangles are safer FALSE – Triangles require drivers to leave the vehicle and walk at least 100 metres along the roadway, significantly increasing the risk of being run over.
If I travel abroad, I must use triangles FALSE – The V-16 is valid for Spanish vehicles travelling in countries that are signatories to the Vienna Convention, including Portugal, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.
Fines of up to €30,000 FALSE – The offence for not carrying a V-16 beacon is minor and carries a fine of €80, the same amount previously applied for not carrying warning triangles.
Source: DGT.es
