As of January 1, 2026, a new regulation from Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) will take effect, making the use of the V16 emergency beacon with active connectivity mandatory, permanently replacing the traditional warning triangles.
What does the V16 beacon do?
The V16 beacon is a light signaling device designed to alert drivers to the presence of a stationary vehicle on the road. It is placed on top of the car and emits a flashing yellow light with 360-degree visibility. It operates on batteries or autonomous power sources, ensuring a minimum lifespan of 18 months.
Technical Specifications
To comply with the regulations, the V16 beacon must be approved by the DGT, ensuring it meets the requirements for connectivity, resistance to extreme weather conditions, and durability. Starting in 2026, only models with active connectivity will be accepted—those capable of connecting to the DGT 3.0 platform to enable vehicle geolocation in case of an emergency.
It is worth mentioning that although the V16 emergency beacon will be mandatory in Spain starting in 2026, in several European countries the requirement to carry warning triangles is still in effect. For this reason, drivers planning to travel abroad are advised to keep the triangles in their vehicle to comply with local regulations.