The Interior Committee of the Congress of Deputies recently hosted an appearance by the Minister of the Interior to report on the mandatory implementation of the V16 connected beacon in Spain. The session served to clarify the regulatory framework, the sanctions regime, and the main objective of this measure: to reduce road accidents associated with the placement of emergency triangles.

From the industrial sector and as manufacturers of V16 beacons, we consider it essential to provide rigorous and truthful information to distributors, professionals and end users.

A regulatory framework defined since 2021

The requirement for a connected V16 beacon is neither a recent nor an improvised measure. It is included in the Royal Decree 159 / 2021, of March 16, where it was already established that from the January 1, 2026 The signaling of an immobilized vehicle must be done using a connected V16 light device.

Furthermore:

• Since July 1, 2023, warning triangles are no longer mandatory on motorways and dual carriageways.
• The DGT has developed technical resolutions to regulate the sending of data to the national access point.
• Only devices that are certified and connected in accordance with current guidelines are valid.

Therefore, the transition to the connected system has been gradual and announced several years in advance.

The goal: to reduce road accidents

During the hearing, relevant accident statistics were recalled:

• 159 people died between 2018 and 2024 after getting out of the vehicle on the road.
• An average of approximately 24 deaths per year in this context.
• 103 pedestrians died in 2025 on intercity roads.

The purpose of the connected V16 beacon is to eliminate the risk of leaving the vehicle to place the triangles, especially on high-capacity roads with heavy traffic.

Technical advantages of the connected V16 beacon

The connected V16 beacon offers objective improvements over the traditional system:

• Personal security: It allows signaling without leaving the vehicle.
• 360º Visibility: light signal visible in all directions.
• Greater reach: visible up to 1 km under optimal conditions.
• Real-time connectivity: Automatic transmission of location to the DGT 3.0 platform when activated.
• Accessibility: especially useful for elderly people or people with reduced mobility.

Furthermore, if there is insufficient coverage, the device continues to function as a conventional light signal.

Certification: a key aspect

One of the most debated points was the homologation process. The Ministry confirmed that:

• The devices must meet technical requirements for light intensity, flash frequency, resistance, and connectivity.
• The certification is carried out by the Automotive Certification Unit of the Ministry of Industry (UCA).
• There are periodic production controls.
• The certified models are published on the official DGT website.

For manufacturers and distributors, certification is not an administrative procedure, but a guarantee of regulatory compliance and real safety for the user.

Is it currently mandatory?

From January 1, 2026, the V16 beacon is mandatory for marking a vehicle stopped on the road. There are no specific mass checks to verify possession of the beacon, but fines are issued when a stopped vehicle is not properly marked.

The recommendation for private drivers, fleets, and transport companies is clear: Having a certified connected V16 beacon avoids legal risks and, above all, personal risks.

A structural change in road safety

The parliamentary hearing made it clear that the connected V16 beacon is part of a broader strategy for connected mobility and reducing road fatalities. This is not a temporary measure, but rather a structural change in emergency signage.

As manufacturers of connected V16 beacons, our commitment is:

• Develop certified devices in accordance with regulations.
• Guarantee quality, reliability and connectivity throughout the product's lifespan.
• Provide clear technical information to distributors and professionals.

The connected V16 beacon is not a future option: It is a current obligation and a tool designed to save lives. Accurate information and regulatory compliance are essential for this transition to be effective.

We recommend always verifying that the device purchased is properly certified and complies with the technical requirements demanded by Spanish regulations.

Road safety doesn't allow for improvisation. Having a certified, connected V16 beacon is a responsible decision.