Stay alert — starting 1 January 2026, Spain’s Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) introduces a new mandatory requirement for all vehicles: instead of traditional roadside warning triangles, drivers must carry and use a V16 Connected Emergency Beacon. This small device is designed to significantly improve safety during breakdowns and accidents.
The V16 beacon is a compact 360° flashing yellow light visible from up to one kilometer away. It is placed on the vehicle roof — and the biggest advantage is that it can be activated without stepping out of the car, reducing the risk of accidents on highways.
But its function goes far beyond lighting. Once activated, the V16 beacon automatically sends the vehicle’s geolocation to the DGT 3.0 traffic platform. This information can then be used by road services, displayed on variable message signs, and integrated into navigation systems to warn other drivers about an incident ahead. In other words, the beacon provides both physical visibility on the road and digital visibility within traffic-management systems.
From 2026, only connected V16 devices approved by DGT will be legally recognised — older triangles or non-connected lights will no longer be accepted. That’s why it is essential to ensure your beacon is officially certified and included in the DGT list of authorised models.
A word of caution: many online marketplaces currently offer cheap “V16-style lights” that are not certified and do not connect to DGT 3.0. Using such a device may lead to fines of up to 200 €, and more importantly, it leaves you without proper roadside protection. To avoid counterfeits, purchase your beacon through major retailers, automotive chains, or trusted stores where certification is guaranteed.
In short, from 1 January 2026 every driver in Spain must switch to a V16 Connected Emergency Beacon. Make sure yours is certified, connected, and compliant — it’s a simple step that greatly increases safety for you and everyone on the road.