The countdown to change in the emergency road signage It's already underway, and with it, the sales channels for the new devices are also starting to move. In this context, Correos (the Spanish postal service) has become one of the main access points for the V16 beacons connected, the light device that will definitively replace the traditional triangles.
With its extensive network spread across the country, the public postal service aims to ensure that any driver can get one. V16 beacon approved by the DGT without needing to resort to specialized stores or unreliable platforms. The measure fits with Correos' strategy of diversifying services and leveraging its presence in small and large towns to bring products related to the road safety and traffic procedures.
Where to buy the DGT V16 beacon through Correos (Spanish Postal Service)...
The new V16 beacons being marketed by the postal company They are available at the 2.380 post offices throughout SpainFurthermore, they can be purchased through almost any means. 6.000 rural postmen and postwomenThese mobile sales points operate in small towns and less connected areas. For those who prefer online shopping, the platform also offers the product. Correos Market (here) the company's marketplace.
There you can find different models of connected and approved V16 beacons, with prices that range between 41,95 and 59,90 eurosDepending on the brand and features, while maintaining the connectivity required by law. Some of the devices offered by Correos include, for example, the bip&drive certified location beacon, which is in the higher price range, and other more economical but equally good options. validated by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT)In all cases, the sale is framed within compliance with the technical and connectivity requirements established by Royal Decree 1030/2022.
What is the V16 beacon that Correos sells like?
The V16 beacon is a compact, yellow device that can be placed without leaving the vehicle, thanks to its design accessible from the inside. It emits a flashing LED light visible in 360º for at least 30 minutesCompliant with regulatory requirements. Includes a magnetic base for mounting on the ceiling or the highest available area in large vehicles. Its battery should last at least 18 monthsensuring functionality even after long periods of non-use.
A requirement from 2026: goodbye to triangles…
El Royal Decree 1030 / 2022 It establishes that from January 1, 2026, the connected V16 beacon will be the only valid means of signaling a stopped vehicle. This implies the progressive disappearance of the triangleswhich required drivers to go down into the road to place them. The measure is based on safety. Every year, around 25 people die after being hit by vehicles while placing the warning triangles. According to Pere Navarro, the connected V16 reduces exposure to traffic and allows for faster warnings to other road users.
Connectivity, geolocation and integration with DGT 3.0…
The main difference compared to older lights is connectivity: Each beacon has an IMEI and integrated SIM that communicates with DGT 3.0 when activated.Thus, the location of the immobilized vehicle is automatically sent to alert other users via navigation systems or digital displays. Correos guarantees data coverage until 2038 at no additional cost, exceeding the minimum 12-year requirement. Users do not need to sign up for additional contracts or take any action to maintain connectivity.
Privacy and hoaxes: what data does the beacon actually send…
The DGT clarifies that The beacon does not send personal data, nor does it record trajectories, speed, or driver identity.It only transmits the anonymous location of the stopped vehicle for the time necessary to process the alert. The Spanish Data Protection Agency confirms that there is no link between the beacon and the user. It is also clarified that the V16 does not make emergency calls: assistance remains the responsibility of the driver or their insurance company.
Homologation requirements: not everything sold as a V16 is actually valid…
The wide variety of offers has caused confusion, but only connected beacons approved by IDIADA or LCOE are valid. They must display the laboratory certification number and approval code on their casing. If this information is missing or the documentation is questionable, it is advisable to avoid purchasing the beacon, even if it is advertised as V16. Therefore, it is recommended to buy them from reliable establishments such as Correos (the Spanish postal service), where all devices comply with official regulations.
How to use the V16 beacon: glove compartment, activation and placement…
The correct way to use the V16 beacon is not too different from what many drivers already know, but the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) and the Guardia Civil (Spanish Civil Guard) have detailed a series of Recommended steps to strengthen securityThe first thing is to always carry the device in a very accessible place, usually the glove compartment or a compartment near the driverIf the vehicle comes to a stop on the road and cannot resume movement, the hazard lights should be switched on from inside the car, whenever possible, and place it on the ceiling using the magnetic base.
In trucks, buses, or other vehicles where the top is not easily accessible, it can be mounted on the driver's door or the highest point the vehicle body allows. Once activated, the light should remain visible in 360 degrees and at a minimum distance of one kilometerAccording to the regulations, the occupants must exit the vehicle on the side opposite the traffic and move off the roadway, provided there is a safe place to do so. If safe conditions are not present, it is advisable to remain inside with the seatbelt fastened until emergency services arrive.
Which vehicles are required to carry the V16 beacon?
The obligation applies to passenger cars, vans, trucks, buses and non-special vehicle combinations. Motorcycles are not required to carry the V16 sticker, although its use is recommended. The V16 sticker will also be valid in countries that are signatories to the Vienna Convention, such as France and Germany. Failure to carry it when it becomes mandatory will be a minor offense, with a fine of around 80 euros. The main objective is to increase safety, not to increase revenue, as explained by the Traffic Authority.
Post Office as a one-stop shop: beacons, environmental badges and traffic procedures…
Correos leverages its network to offer more mobility-related services, such as the sale of environmental badges 0, ECO, C, and B for 5 euros. This facilitates access to Low Emission Zones in large municipalities and island areas. It also allows users to process duplicate vehicle registration documents, pay fines, or request vehicle reports. Its presence in rural areas reinforces its role as access point to public services linked to the DGT.
The marketing of the V16 fits into the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, which seeks to diversify postal activity. The approaching mandatory implementation has generated a massive demand and very disparate offersSome are not certified. Correos positions itself as the secure option for those seeking certified and legal devices beyond 2025. In doing so, it acts as an intermediary between the government and citizens, guaranteeing reliable access to essential security equipment.
Source - Post
Images | Emails – Archive