Regulations concerning the signaling of broken-down vehicles on the road have evolved significantly in recent years. With the entry into force of Royal Decree 159/2021, Spain began the transition to a new signaling system based on V16 warning lights. This process will culminate on January 1, 2026, after which the only legally valid signaling will be the V16 beacon connected with geolocation.
The aim of this measure promoted by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) is to improve road safety and reduce accidents that occur when drivers leave their vehicles to place emergency triangles.
Current regulatory status of V16 beacons
Until December 31, 2025, two types of devices can be used:
- Traditional emergency triangles.
- Approved luminous V16 beacons, connected or not connected.
However, from January 1, 2026, the regulations stipulate that:
- Emergency triangles are no longer used as a road signaling system.
- V16 beacons without connectivity cease to be valid as regulatory signaling.
- Only connected V16 beacons that communicate their geolocation to the DGT 3.0 platform may be used.
This system allows the vehicle to be geolocated on the traffic platform when the beacon is activated, generating an automatic alert that can be used by signage panels, navigation systems and traffic management services.
How a connected V16 beacon works
The new beacons incorporate integrated IoT connectivity that allows them to anonymously transmit their location to the National Traffic and Mobility Access Point. When the driver places the beacon on the vehicle and activates the device:
- The 360° visible emergency light signal is activated.
- The device sends its geolocation to the DGT 3.0 platform.
- The incident is recorded in the traffic management systems.
- Other drivers may receive alerts on information panels or navigation systems.
This system allows alerts to a stopped vehicle even in conditions of low visibility or heavy traffic.
Technical requirements for the homologation of a V16 beacon
In order for a V16 device to be marketed in Spain, it must comply with the technical specifications established by the DGT and pass the tests of an accredited laboratory in accordance with the UNE EN-ISO 17025 standard.
- Radiation: 360° horizontal visibility and ±8° vertical visibility.
- Luminous intensity: between 40 and 80 candelas at degree 0 and a minimum of 25 candelas at ±8°, for at least 30 minutes.
- Degree of protection: minimum IP54.
- Stability: resistance to a dynamic pressure of 180 Pa without displacement.
- Flash frequency: between 0,8 and 2 Hz.
- Operating temperature: between −10 °C and 50 °C.
- Power supply: battery or self-contained battery that guarantees its operation after prolonged periods of storage.
- Testing and certification: carried out by laboratories accredited under UNE EN-ISO 17025 standard.
Transition to connected road signage
The mandatory implementation of the connected V16 beacon is part of the connected mobility ecosystem promoted by the DGT under the DGT 3.0 platform. This system allows for the integration of real-time information on incidents, stopped vehicles, or risk situations.
For the aftermarket and spare parts distribution sector, this transition represents an opportunity to renew the fleet of signaling devices and adapt to the regulations that will be mandatory throughout the national territory from 2026.
V16 connected Hero Driver LED beacon
The Hero Driver LED is a certified connected V16 beacon that meets the technical requirements demanded by Spanish regulations for hazard pre-signaling devices.
The device incorporates integrated NB-IoT connectivity with service included until 2040, allowing it to communicate its geolocation to the traffic platform without the need for subscriptions or additional costs for the user.
Its compact design and push-button activation allow for quick signaling of a stopped vehicle by placing the beacon on the vehicle without having to leave the road, which helps improve driver safety in case of breakdown or incident.
