The Directorate General of Traffic is preparing a new impetus for the V-16 light beacon In the coming weeks, the focus will be on the special summer operation, when road travel increases significantly. The agency's goal is for this device to become more widely known and a standard tool for signaling breakdowns and accidents, thereby reducing the risk to drivers. new impetus for the V-16 beacon
The Director General of Traffic, Pere Navarro, announced in the Congress of Deputies that the DGT will launch a reinforcement campaign to extend and normalize use of this emergency beacon, which he himself has defined as "an important element of road safety" and which, in his opinion, "in the end is a matter that saves lives."
A mandatory device from 2026 onwards…
Navarro reminded the Road Safety Commission during his appearance that the V-16 sign will be mandatory from 1 January 2026 in cars, vans, trucks, buses, and vehicle combinations. From that date, the traditional combination of emergency triangles will be phased out in favor of this connected lighting system. fines for not carrying the V-16 beacon
The regulations state that vehicles must carry a approved beacon capable of emitting a visible light long-distance tracking and sending their position to the traffic platform. This obligation is part of the DGT's and the European Union's strategy to reduce accidents on intercity roads, especially in situations of roadside immobilization. approved beacon
Advantages over emergency triangles…
During his speech, the top traffic official emphasized that, compared to traditional triangles, with the V-16 “all are advantagesThe aspect he emphasized most was that, with the beacon, the driver does not have to get out of the vehicle or walk along the shoulder to signal the incident, one of the most dangerous moments in a breakdown or accident. Use triangles and the V-16 at the same time
In addition to avoiding pedestrian travel on the road, the V-16 incorporates high-visibility flashing lightsThis is something that the triangles lacked. The light allows the stopped vehicle to be visible from a greater distance and in worse environmental conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, or low light.
Another key element is connectivity: while the triangle had no communication capabilities, the V-16 beacon did. transmits the location of the vehicle to the DGT platform, so that traffic services and, progressively, navigation systems and mobility applications can alert other road users of the incident in real time. map of active V-16 beacons
The DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) registered 2.500 daily connections with letters, complaints and queries, reports and a lot of confusion…
The DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) registers approximately 2.500 daily connections from devices connected to roadside incidents, a figure that demonstrates their gradual implementation in Spain. However, Pere Navarro admitted that the market is experiencing a clear stagnation in sales due to legal uncertainty and misinformation on social media. To curb the disinformation spread by those who falsely claim that The DGT is already issuing fines Traffic authorities are preparing a major information campaign before summer because of the failure to carry it.
This confusion has delayed the adoption of a vital tool for vulnerable groups, such as people with reduced mobility, who can now signal a breakdown without leaving their car. Despite the advantages, the political debate remains open after parties such as Vox reopens the debate regarding geolocation privacy. Furthermore, the increased demand for these technological devices has led to a collateral increase in the V-16 beacon thefts in the country.
Legally, the European Parliament has already upheld the Spanish regulations in response to opposition complaints regarding data protection. The courts have also dismissed appeals from companies that challenge fines, confirming that the device will be mandatory in the future. Authorities emphasize the importance of purchasing certified models connected to the DGT 3.0 platform to guarantee road safety and prevent fraud.
Hoaxes, memes and the false "expiration" of the beacon…
The confusion has not been limited to the political or legal spheres. Navarro reported that other things have also been circulating memes and rumors about its operation and lifespan of the V-16. One of the most widespread rumors claims that the beacon "expires" in a short period, which would have created mistrust among potential buyers.
To clarify this point, the Traffic official explained that the V-16 itself does not expire immediately, but rather that The limitation is determined by the integrated SIM.which enables the device's connectivity. According to the regulations, manufacturers must ensure that this connection and the transmission of data to the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) are free of charge for a period of up to 11 or 12 years, depending on the reference used in each explanation. guaranteed connectivity period
After that time, the beacon may need update your communication component to remain connected, but this does not mean the product suddenly loses its lighting functionality. The DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) insists that this distinction has often been misinterpreted and will be clarified in upcoming information campaigns to avoid misunderstandings.
New information campaign ahead of the summer operation…
Given this context of doubt, the DGT has decided to launch a specific reinforcement campaign before the special summer operation. The objective is twofold: on the one hand, to encourage drivers who do not yet have a certified V-16 to get one; on the other, to explain in more detail how it is used and what requirements it must meet.
This campaign will likely emphasize the idea that the V-16 signal is an element designed to reduce risks on the shoulderespecially on motorways and dual carriageways. The DGT is also expected to clarify aspects such as the guaranteed connectivity period, the protection of transmitted data, and the difference between certified devices and others that may not comply with regulations.
Navarro has reiterated that the introduction of this beacon is part of a broader strategy for modernizing emergency signage In Spain, this is aligned with European recommendations and the progressive digitalization of traffic management.
Another piece in the controversial road safety strategy…
The bet for V-16 light It arrives at a crucial moment for, in theory, reducing accidents on Spanish roads. The DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) has focused its attention on this connected device, addressing its implementation alongside other safety measures in the Road Safety Commission. The main objective of the DGT is to replace the traditional warning triangles to protect drivers and prevent the risk of pedestrian accidents.
The use of approved V-16 beacon It offers a practical and safe approach, particularly benefiting people with reduced mobility. By easily attaching to the roof of the vehicle, the driver doesn't need to get out or enter the roadway on highways. Ahead of the upcoming holidays, authorities will launch an information campaign to demonstrate its correct operation and explain how to avoid potential problems. traffic fines for not complying with the rule.
This shift towards the connected road safety It transforms traditional signage into a digital system that sends real-time location data to the DGT 3.0 platform. Along with other smart elements, such as connected roadwork cones, Spain is moving towards much safer and more technologically advanced mobility. With an eye on the upcoming holiday travel period, the agency seeks to consolidate this tool as an indispensable ally on the road.