From the January 1, 2026The connected V16 beacon is the only legally required device for signaling a broken-down or immobilized vehicle on public roads in Spain. This measure is supported by data and endorsed by the General direction of traffic and implemented with the aim of reducing road fatalities. In this article, we explain what it is, why it is mandatory, and why choosing the right one makes all the difference.
Why was the V16 beacon made mandatory?
The answer lies in the data. According to official figures from the Directorate General of Traffic, Between 2018 and 2024, 159 people died on the road after getting out of their vehicle. to place the warning triangles, which involves an average of 24 drivers killed per yearOnly in 2025, 103 pedestrians They lost their lives in hit-and-run accidents on intercity roads, representing 10% of the total number of fatalities in road accidents.
This reality, denounced since 2004 by road safety operators and roadside assistance services, prompted a progressive legislative response that culminated in the approval of the Royal Decree 159 / 2021 16 of March, which already established the obligation of the V16 beacon connected from January 1, 2026.
- 159 deaths while getting out of the vehicle between 2018 and 2024
- 24 deaths on average per year
- More than 100.000 activations registered up to February 15, 2026
- 2.300 activations per day on average in Spain
What changes with respect to emergency triangles?
Emergency triangles are no longer mandatory in motorways and dual carriageways from 1 July 2023This was precisely because of the risk involved in driving on the shoulder at high speed to place them. The V16 beacon goes a step further, eliminating the need to leave the vehicle under any circumstances to signal.
It is important to emphasize that the vehicle abandonment protocol has not changedIf there is a safe place, the driver should move away from the vehicle; if there isn't, they should remain inside. What has changed substantially is that It is no longer necessary or mandatory to walk along the road to provide signage..
5 technical advantages of the V16 beacon compared to triangles
- Placement without leaving the vehicleBecause it's within the driver's reach from inside the vehicle, the signaling time is minimal and the risk of a collision is drastically reduced. The device is placed on the highest part of the vehicle or, if that's not possible, on the door or side.
- Virtual visibility: connectivity with the DGT 3.0 platformOnce activated, the beacon sends the Real-time vehicle location to the DGT 3.0 platform. This allows alerting other drivers through variable message boards and browsers that access the National Access Point for traffic information.
- Greater physical visibility: range of up to 1 kmBy being positioned at the highest point of the vehicle, it offers visibility to 360° and from a greater distanceThe emitted light is of high intensity, both intermittent and continuous during at least 30 minutes, designed to reach up to 1 km under optimal conditions.
- Effectiveness in adverse conditions: fog, rain and low visibilityThe irradiation of the optical system and the light intensity of the device allow the damaged vehicle to be visible much earlier in adverse weather conditions. without causing glare to other drivers.
- Inclusive and universal designThe system is especially safe for people with reduced mobility, elderly people and drivers traveling with children or pets, thanks to the ease of its placement without needing to leave the vehicle.
Technical functionality: connectivity, privacy and autonomy
The connected V16 beacon incorporates technology from Internet of Things (IoT) through specialized networks capable of operating in challenging conditions. The following are the key technical characteristics confirmed by the DGT:
- It does not permanently geolocate: It only connects when activated by the driver.
- It does not transmit personal data: It only sends the location of the stopped vehicle for security purposes. It is not linked to driver or vehicle data.
- No application installation required nor prior registration of any personal data.
- It works autonomously and anonymously. when activated.
- Operational in tunnels and low coverage areasthanks to IoT (Internet of Things) networks.
- It works as a light signal even without coverage, ensuring visual signaling under any circumstances.
- Valid abroad: It can be used in all countries that are signatories to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
- Endorsed by the Spanish Data Protection Agency, which confirmed that no transfer of personal data takes place.
Homologation: how to identify a certified V16 beacon
Not all devices available on the market are valid. For a V16 beacon to be legal and effective, it must have passed a rigorous certification process comprising two levels:
1. Accredited laboratoriesIDIADA and LCOE are responsible for verifying compliance with technical requirements: irradiation, light intensity and frequency, battery, connectivity and resistance to water, dirt and temperature.
2. Automotive Certification Unit (UCA) and Ministry of IndustryIt inspects and certifies that manufacturers meet the technical requirements for communications and quality. After certification, manufacturers undergo testing. periodic production control checks.
La DGT publishes and updates daily On their website, the list of brands and models of certified V16 beacons is located under the heading "Certified brands and models"Always consult this list before purchasing a device. There are currently over 300 approved models.
Important: Check that your beacon is the connected version
V16 devices purchased before 2021 may be models not connectedthat no longer comply with current regulations. Verify that your beacon appears on the updated DGT list and that it has connectivity with the DGT 3.0 platform. The use of a non-approved device does not comply with the legal obligation and may result in a penalty.
Legal framework: when, how and where it is mandatory
| Appearance | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mandatory from | January 1, 2026 |
| Legal base | Royal Decree 159 / 2021 16 of March |
| Who should wear it? | Every driver of a vehicle circulating on Spanish public roads |
| When is it used? | Whenever the vehicle becomes immobilized on the road due to a breakdown or other circumstance |
| Are triangles still valid? | They are not mandatory on motorways and dual carriageways since July 2023. From 1 January 2026, the V16 beacon replaces them as mandatory signage on any road throughout the national territory of Spain. |
| Is it valid abroad? | Yes, in all countries that are signatories to the 1968 Vienna Convention. Abroad, the vehicle must comply with the regulations of the country where it is driven. |
| Are random checks carried out? | There are no random checks to verify their presence. The penalty is applied if the vehicle is immobilized and is not marked with the approved beacon. |
Spain, a European leader in connected road safety
Spain is pioneer in the implementation of the connected V16 deviceThis measure is already being evaluated by other European countries for incorporation into their traffic codes. The presentation of this system to the European Commission took place in September 2021, at the meeting of the High Level Group from Brussels, with the assistance of all traffic and road safety officials from the European Union.
This advance is part of the Road Safety Strategy 2030 of the Government, whose central concept is the secure systemThe design of infrastructure, regulations, and technologies that minimize the consequences of human error while driving. The results of this long-term approach are visible: Spain recorded 1.119 deaths on intercity roads in 2025, the second lowest value since 1960.
Comply with the regulations. Protect your life and the lives of others.
The connected and approved V16 beacon is now an essential item for your vehicle. Don't wait for a breakdown to take action. Purchase one today. certified and compliant with DGT 3.0 regulations. See approved V16 beacons →
Our Hero Driver LED Beacon is certified and appears on the official DGT list
Frequently asked questions about the V16 beacon
Does the V16 beacon track my position permanently?
No. The beacon It only connects when it is activated by the driver. At that moment, it only transmits the location of the stopped vehicle for road safety purposes. It is not linked to any personal data of the driver or the vehicle.
Do I need to download an app or register?
No. Approved V16 beacons work in a completely autonomous and anonymousThey do not require the installation of applications or prior registration of personal data.
Does the beacon work in tunnels or areas without coverage?
Yes. It uses specialized IoT networks capable of operating in difficult conditions. In the event of a total lack of network coverage, the beacon continues to function as a high-intensity light signal, which is more visible than a triangle under any circumstances as it is located at the highest point of the vehicle.
Can I use my V16 beacon if I travel to France or Portugal?
The V16 beacon can be used in all countries that signed the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road TrafficPlease note that abroad your vehicle must comply with the regulations of the country in which it is driven.
Can I be fined if I don't have the V16 beacon?
Yes. Its use has been in effect since January 1, 2026. legally requiredThe penalty is applied when the vehicle is immobilized on the road and is not properly marked with an approved V16 beacon. There are no random checks, but any officer may verify its presence during a traffic inspection.
How do I know if my V16 beacon is approved?
Ask the Official list of certified makes and models on the website of the Directorate General of Traffic (dgt.es), updated daily. Only the devices listed there are valid under current regulations.
Professional recommendation: choose a certified beacon with real guarantees
Given the mandatory use of the V16 connected beacon, not all devices offer the same technical, certification, and long-term connectivity guarantees.
In this context, Hero Driver LED It is positioned as a solution developed under strict criteria of quality, homologation, and reliability. Our V16 beacon is certified in accordance with current regulations, included in the official list of the DGT and designed to meet all the required technical requirements: luminous intensity, 360° visibility, resistance, watertightness and regulatory flash frequency.
In addition, it incorporates NB-IoT connectivity included until 2041, without additional fees or registrations, guaranteeing the transmission of the location to the DGT 3.0 system when the device is activated.
Sources: The statistical and regulatory data collected in this article come from the official appearance of the Minister of the Interior before the Interior Committee of the Congress of Deputies (February 25, 2026). Road Safety Assessment 2025 Presented by the Directorate General of Traffic on January 8, 2026, and Royal Decree 159/2021 of March 16. This content is for informational purposes only.
