Beginning January 1, 2026, all vehicles in circulation in Spain must carry a V16 beacon connected instead of the traditional emergency triangles. This new regulation, promoted by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), seeks to improve road safety by reducing the risks of leaving the vehicle in emergency situations. But what exactly is a connected V16 beacon, and why is it becoming mandatory?
What is a connected V16 beacon?
An V16 beacon connected It is a luminous device that is placed on the roof of the vehicle in case of a breakdown or accident. Unlike traditional beacons, these include integrated connectivity (NB-IoT or LTE-M) allowing send the exact location of the vehicle in real time to the DGT 3.0 platform.
This connection is made automatically when the beacon is activated, without the need for an app, mobile phone, or user data coverage. Thanks to its active geolocation, authorities and other drivers can be alerted to the incident, improving emergency response and preventing accidents.
Why will it be mandatory starting in 2026?
The DGT's decision is based on improve security and reduce the number of casualties on roads. According to official data, many fatal accidents occur when drivers get out of the vehicle to place warning triangles.
La V16 beacon connected allows you to signal without leaving the car and send an automatic alert to the traffic system. This minimizes the risk of secondary accidents and speeds up incident management.
The adaptation period ends on December 31th 2025. From 2026, Only approved connected beacons will be valid., the use of unconnected triangles or beacons being prohibited.
Features that an approved connected V16 beacon must meet
To be valid from 2026, a connected V16 beacon must comply with:
- Approval by a laboratory authorized by the DGT
- NB-IoT active connectivity integrated and operational throughout the national territory
- SIM with connectivity included and no fees (minimum until 2038 according to regulations)
- 360º visibility and minimum autonomy of 30 minutes
- Resistance to water, dust and extreme conditions (minimum IP54)
Hero Driver LED: Connected technology without fees until 2040
La V16 connected Hero Driver LED beacon Ryme Automotive's is one of the most advanced options on the market. Approved by the UCA (University of Catalonia), it features:
- Vodafone NB-IoT connectivity free until 2040
- Manual activation of the one-button SOS mode
- High visibility and resistance
- Compact, lightweight and ready to use in seconds
In addition, it is developed in Spain and designed to guarantee maximum reliability and full compliance with regulations.
Stay ahead of the regulations and improve your safety
The entry into force of the mandatory connected V16 beacon in 2026 marks a before and after in road safetyDon't wait until the last minute. Get informed and choose an approved model. Hero Driver LED It is the best way to protect yourself and comply with the law.
Links of interest
For more information on the V16 Hero Driver LED beacon, please visit the following official links:
