In just a few months, the classic scene of getting out of the car to place the triangles on the road It will go down in history. The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has established that, from January 1, 2026, the only legal way to signal a vehicle immobilization on the road will be by means of a V16 beacon connected and approvedThis has boosted sales... and also raised doubts about how to check if what we have in the glove compartment is actually valid.
The problem is that the market has become flooded with emergency lights advertised as V16, but Not all of them meet official requirements or are certified.Some don't even transmit the vehicle's position, others misuse DGT logos or claims, and many are sold at very low prices that raise suspicions. Therefore, before you let your guard down and think "I'm covered," it's a good idea to know the basics step by step. How to check the homologation of the V16 beacon and avoid penalties or unpleasant surprises during a breakdown; many purchases end up becoming V16 beacon fraud.
What exactly is a certified and connected V16 beacon?
The DGT defines the approved and connected V16 beacon such as only authorized hazard pre-signaling device in Spain From 1 January 2026. It definitively replaces emergency triangles in passenger cars and other light vehicles, with the main objective of reduce accidents and improve visibility when there is a car stopped on the shoulder or on the road.
It is a small yellow or amber light that, when activated, It emits 360-degree flashes visible from over a kilometer away.even in bad weather. It is normally placed on the roof of the vehicle using a magnetic base, so the driver can install it. without needing to move away from the carIn addition to the lighting component, it incorporates a GPS chip and an integrated SIM card that allow it to send the vehicle's location in real time to the DGT 3.0 platform, from where the rest of the users and the traffic management centers are informed.
In order to be considered truly certified, the beacon must offer, among other aspects, a minimum of 30 minutes of continuous operation once turned on and a standby autonomy of at least 18 monthsThe connectivity associated with the SIM card must be included in the price of the device and guaranteed for a long period, around 12 years, without the driver having to pay additional fees, download applications, or provide personal data.
Why is it so important that your V16 beacon is certified?
Homologation is not a mere bureaucratic procedure: certifies that the beacon meets the technical and legal requirements as required by Spanish regulations. A non-approved device may turn on and appear functional, but It does not ensure adequate visibility or proper communication with DGT 3.0nor that it will withstand what is promised in terms of duration and resistance.
Furthermore, the DGT has been clear: Using a non-approved beacon or not carrying it when required can have consequences penalties for using triangles and V16There is talk of regular fines of around 80 Euros for not having a legally valid device, and various sources indicate that misuse of the system (for example, activating the beacon without a real danger) can result in much higher penalties. Added to this is the risk that, in the event of an accident, Incorrect signage complicates legal liability or insurance coverage.
Consumer associations such as irache They have already detected numerous cases of people who bought supposedly valid beacons, often at very low prices and through opaque online stores, and who later discovered that They were not included in the official DGT list.Some of those purchases could be disputed; in others, directly, Fraud is suspected and the consumer is forced to buy a new, suitable device.
First filter: check the homologation on the device itself.
The first step to determine if your beacon is approved is to give it a thorough physical inspection. A valid V16 beacon must include a official certification code issued by one of the laboratories designated by the Ministry of Industry: LCOE o IDIADEThat code is alphanumeric and usually begins precisely with those initials, followed by a series of numbers that identify the specific model.
It is not enough for the code to appear on the box or in a leaflet. The regulations require that that code is visibly and permanently present on the beacon itself.It's usually engraved or indelibly marked on the casing so it can be clearly read throughout the device's lifespan. If you only see a simple sticker, a flimsy adhesive, or a blurry code that wears off with use, something's probably wrong.
Along with the code, many manufacturers add a homologation mark or a logo indicating compliance with the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic). However, experience shows that there are models that counterfeit these types of markings, so although it can be a useful clue, It shouldn't be the only criterion to validate the beacon. In short, you should be able to confirm two fundamental things on the device itself: LCOE or IDIADA code recorded and explicit reference to V16 connected.
Second filter: confirm the homologation in the official DGT list
The next step, key to avoiding scams, is to check if your model appears in the Official list of approved V16 beacons from the DGTThis register is kept up to date on the organization's website and includes the makes and models that have passed the certification process, with their corresponding homologation numbers.
The check is simple: with the certification code in handYou can access the DGT portal and check if the device Figure exactly with the make and model you haveIf the trade name doesn't match, if the number is missing, or if there's no trace of the product, it's prudent to consider that It is not approvedno matter how many promises the packaging or the seller makes.
Some manufacturers and distributors, to facilitate this task, develop charts and ordered lists by make, reference number, or certification date, based on information from the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic). They can be a useful aid, but the definitive source is always the official website. Associations like Irache insist that, before taking out your wallet, search for the specific beacon in that list.Otherwise, the consumer risks acquiring a product that will have to be replaced later.
Third filter: verify that the beacon is actually connected
From the date on which V16 becomes fully mandatory, Only beacons with integrated connectivity will be legalIn other words, a flashing light is not enough: It must automatically send the vehicle's position to DGT 3.0 at the moment it is activated.
To verify this requirement, it's advisable to carefully examine both the device and its documentation. The box and manual should clearly state that the beacon is an IoT device or one connected to the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic), Which incorporates geolocation and automatic data transmissionIt is not enough to talk about "emergency light" or "V16 beacon"; if the connection with DGT 3.0 is not mentioned, that's a bad sign.
When switching on a connected V16 beacon for the first time, Many manufacturers explain that GPS system makes an initial connection with the mobile network and the traffic platform. From then on, every time it is turned on in an emergency situation, will send the vehicle's location anonymously so that variable message signs, navigation systems and other on-board systems can warn other drivers.
The regulations also require that this connectivity be guaranteed for an extended period, of about 12 yearswithout the user having to pay recurring fees or renewals. If the product information mentions subscriptions, additional data charges, or excessively short coverage periods, be wary. A certified beacon should offer long-lasting connectivity. It is included in the price.
Fourth filter: signs that your V16 beacon may not be approved
If you have doubts because you bought it a while ago, it was given to you as a gift, or you acquired it in a very aggressive offer, there are several signs that may make you suspect that It does not comply with the requirements of the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic).Identifying them in time can save you from a fine or a problem at the vehicle inspection.
- The device It does not have any LCOE or IDIADA code visible, neither on the casing nor in the technical documentation.
- The alleged code appears only in poor quality stickers or illegible prints, without being permanently engraved on the body of the beacon.
- The packaging does not clearly mention the connectivity with DGT 3.0, nor is there any reference to GPS, integrated SIM or geolocation.
- The commercial description avoids indicating whether the model will be valid from 2026or it simply refers to its use as an “emergency light”.
- The price is suspiciously low: many experts point out that a connected and approved beacon is usually located approximately between 30 and 60 euros for individual purchases. Below that range, the chances of it being a product without warranties increase.
Consumer organizations and the Civil Guard itself have warned about the existence of "Low cost" beacons that are sold as certified And they turn out to be simple lights with no real connectivity, some even using official logos without permission. In these cases, it's of little use that they look like the real thing. They will not be recognized by the DGT. and could be considered consumer fraud.
What the DGT, the Civil Guard and consumer associations say
Both the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) and the Guardia Civil (Spanish Civil Guard) have been clarifying in recent months how the mandatory V16 will be applied and What should the driver keep in mind to avoid mistakesTraffic authorities have reiterated that the main objective is to reduce accidents and pedestrian collisions on the road, so the connected V16 beacon becomes a key component of the new road safety network.
The Civil Guard, for its part, has published videos and notes explaining that, in order for the beacon to be official, must have passed a homologation process in accordance with the General Vehicle Regulations and carry the test laboratory's brand and its reference numberHe also reminded everyone that, when the time comes, the agents will be able to easily identify whether the device is valid or not, so relying on dubious products is not a good idea.
Associations like irache They have had to assist numerous users who purchased beacons when the connectivity requirement was not yet clear. Many thought they were complying with the future regulation, but upon consulting the DGT database, they discovered that Their models do not transmit location and are not among the authorized ones.In cases where the seller falsely advertised the certification, attempts have been made to recover the money; when dealing with opaque online stores, The claim becomes significantly more complicated..
Practical obligations of the driver: where to carry it and how to use it
Once you've ensured your V16 beacon is approved, there's the more domestic, but equally important, part: where to store it and how to use it if neededThe DGT indicates that the device must be placed in an accessible location, usually in the glove box or a compartment near the driver's seatso that it can be reached without having to leave the vehicle and walk on the road.
In the event of a breakdown or accident, the procedure will be relatively simple: with the vehicle immobilized and, provided it is safe to do so, the driver must Take the beacon, open the window slightly, and place it on the roof. Thanks to its magnetic base, activating the main button will cause it to start emitting light. From that moment on, in addition to the light signal visible from a distance, The beacon will send the car's position to DGT 3.0, from where the information will be managed in panels, browsers and traffic systems.
The regulations state that the beacon only transmits location dataNo personal information about the driver or the vehicle is stored. Therefore, it remains the user's responsibility to make the necessary calls to emergency services, tow trucks, or medical assistance, either by mobile phone or through the eCall system if the car is equipped with it.
Maintenance, autonomy and periodic checks
Having an approved beacon is of little use if, when the time comes to use it, The battery is dead or the device is malfunctioning.Therefore, the technical specifications require a series of minimum autonomy levels that the manufacturer must guarantee, but the driver is also advised to perform basic and periodic maintenance.
In general terms, connected V16 beacons must ensure at least 30 minutes of continuous operation after its activation in emergency mode, and a standby autonomy of at least 18 monthsDepending on whether they operate on replaceable batteries or a rechargeable battery, the recommendations vary slightly: in the first case, it is usually advised Change the batteries preventively every yearIn the second case, it is advisable to carry out a full annual charge to keep the battery in good condition.
It is also advisable, from time to time, check the physical condition of the deviceCheck that the casing is not broken, that the magnet remains firm, that the seals still provide adequate protection (usually an IP54 rating against rain and dust), and that the power button responds correctly. A brief test power-on can also verify that the initial connection to the mobile network is established, something that most models do automatically the first time they are used.
Shopping tips to avoid scams and unpleasant surprises
With the requirement just around the corner and many drivers still without a connected beacon, it is foreseeable that increase haste and impulsive purchasesespecially during campaigns such as sales or sale of connected V16 beaconsTo avoid falling into traps, it's helpful to follow some simple guidelines before paying.
- Be wary of excessively low pricesThis is significantly less than the typical cost of a quality connected V16 beacon. The savings could end up being costly if you need to buy another one later.
- Make sure the seller is identifiable and offers invoice or proof of purchase, something essential if you later discover that the beacon is not approved and you need to make a claim.
- Before finalizing the purchase, Locate the specific model in the official DGT list and verify that the trade name and homologation code fully match.
- Check the product information It clearly mentions the connection with DGT 3.0, the absence of additional fees and the minimum duration of connectivity.
The rise of cheap beacons sold on massive platforms, often distributed by opaque sellers, has already prompted warnings from organizations such as facuaIn many cases, those who have taken the bait on these offers have found themselves with devices that only serve as light, without real communication capabilitiesor with beacons that use official logos and terms that can be misleading.
What happens if your beacon is not approved or you don't have one?
Once the connected V16 is the only accepted system, driving without it or using a device not recognized by the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) will have consequences. The figures being discussed suggest... fines of around 80 euros for not carrying an approved V16 beacon in the vehicle when it is mandatory, and greater penalties in cases of fraudulent or improper use.
Beyond the financial penalty, there is a less visible but equally important aspect: in the event of an accident, Not having the correct signage can complicate incident managementThe connected beacon not only warns other drivers with its flashing light, but also It allows traffic centers and emergency services to accurately locate the immobilized vehicle.If a non-certified device is used instead, that extra layer of security disappears.
In practice, the authorities have spoken of a progressive implantation And, at times, a degree of initial flexibility to allow everyone time to adapt. However, the established course is clear: The connected V16 will replace the trianglesAnd controls will become stricter as its use becomes more widespread. Having a verified beacon now saves problems in the medium term.
With the deadline fast approaching and a market full of options, the most sensible thing for any driver in Spain is to settle this matter as soon as possible: Purchase a connected V16 beacon, check its homologation code, verify it on the official DGT list, and ensure that connectivity is guaranteed.With these steps, the light you keep in your glove compartment will not be a simple accessory, but a reliable tool for your safety and the safety of others on the road.
