In a major step toward improving road safety and reducing roadside accidents, Spain will officially replace traditional reflective warning triangles with the V16 connected emergency beacon.
This new device will become the only legally accepted means of signaling a vehicle immobilized on the roadway starting 1 January 2026.
Reform
The V16 beacon is a compact, yellow, 360-degree flashing light designed to be activated within seconds. Once switched on and placed—preferably on the roof of the vehicle—it emits a high-intensity intermittent light visible up to 1 km in favorable conditions. Unlike triangles, the V16 eliminates the need for drivers to walk along the roadway to place a warning device, a procedure that has historically caused numerous accidents and fatalities.
Connectivity
A defining feature of the new V16 devices is their built-in connectivity. Each beacon includes a non-removable SIM card and a GPS chip, allowing the signal to automatically send its precise location to the DGT 3.0 connected vehicle platform. The information is then shared with the DGT (the Spanish General Traffic Directorate), The Basque Government’s Traffic Directorate, the Catalunian Traffic Directorate, but also with navigation systems, mobility apps, and onboard computers and the Roadside Variable Message Panels (VMS). This “virtual visibility” allows other road users to receive real-time alerts of a stopped vehicle ahead, significantly reducing collision risks.
Application
The regulation applies to all passenger cars, mixed-use vehicles, goods transport vehicles and buses. Motorcycles are not required to carry it, though authorities strongly recommend it. Vehicles transporting dangerous goods must also carry the V16, as safety risks are particularly high in these cases. The V16 is valid throughout all Spanish regions and fully compliant with the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Spanish-registered vehicles may use it anywhere in Europe. Foreign vehicles traveling in Spain though may continue using the device required in their home country.
Operation
The beacon must be kept within easy reach, ideally in the glove compartment. When needed driver should activate the device from inside the vehicle, place it on the roof or the highest possible accessible area. If the roof is aluminum or glass, recommended alternatives include suction-cup models or placement on the driver’s door or chassis arch. For trucks, buses, and high-body vehicles, the beacon can be placed on the rear exterior if it is safe to exit the vehicle.
Privacy
Authorities emphasize that the V16 does not track drivers and is not linked to vehicle license plate. The assure the V16 transmits location only when activated. It also does not contact emergency services automatically and drivers must still dial 112 or call roadside assistance.
Physical triangles can be legally used only until 31 December 2025. From 1 January 2026, only connected V16 devices will be legally valid for immobilized vehicles in Spain.
Progress
The DGT officially commented: “The V16 connected beacon represents a significant advance in road safety, combining enhanced physical visibility with real-time digital alerts. By removing the need to walk on dangerous roadsides and integrating seamlessly into connected mobility systems, the V16 aims to reduce accidents and protect both drivers and emergency responders“.