Beginning January 1, 2026, the V16 beacon connected will only authorized device to signal a vehicle stopped on the road. The Directorate General of Traffic established this requirement in 2021 after a transition period that ends in less than two months. From that moment on, any incident must be signaled with a beacon. approved and connected to the DGT 3.0 platformas the Hero Driver LED, which automatically transmits the vehicle's location to improve safety in emergency situations.
Beyond regulatory compliance, being unaware of or not having a properly connected, certified V16 beacon can have significant legal consequences. A report by the consulting firm Impulse by PONS identifies five key legal risks that affect drivers and owners as well as manufacturers.
1. Civil liability
Failure to signal a breakdown or using a non-approved V16 can have consequences direct civil liabilityIf a third party suffers damage due to the lack of visibility of the vehicle, the driver could be forced to assume compensation arising from legal claims.
2. Insurance Coverage
Insurance companies may consider the lack of regulatory signage to be gross negligence.
In these cases, the company can claim from the insured the amounts paid to the victims, leaving them without financial protection. Having an approved connected beacon—such as the Hero Driver LED, certified according to current regulations—prevents this risk.
3. Criminal liability
If the omission of signage causes an accident with victims, the conduct may be classified as serious negligence. This could lead to prison sentences and withdrawal of the driving license if it is proven that the absence of an approved V16 was a direct cause of the damage.
4. Administrative fine
There is a dual responsibility:
- From the vehicle owner, required to have a connected V16 beacon and keep it in suitable condition.
- From the driver, responsible for its correct use.
Failure to comply may result in fines between 80 and 200 euros according to the General Vehicle Regulations and the General Traffic Regulations.
5. Manufacturers and importers
Manufacturers, laboratories, and importers must strictly comply with the Industrial Safety Law 21/1992Manufacturing or marketing devices that do not meet standards can result in fines starting from 60.000 euros up to 100 million, as well as the temporary suspension of activity.
Hero Driver LED features official homologation Issued by an accredited laboratory, full compliance with V16 regulations and certified NB-IoT connectivity, guaranteeing maximum reliability for drivers and distributors.
