FACUA slams DGT over misleading V16 beacons: ‘Fraud against consumers’

FACUA is a Spanish consumer rights organization that has taken a strong stance against the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) over its V16 beacons. These have caused quite a stir since they were announced. The group criticized the DGT for selling beacons that had their “approved” labels, even though many of these devices would no longer work after January 2026 because of a lack in connectivity with the Traffic Authority.

‘Fradulent’ beacons still being sold, despite not complying with DGT regulations

By 2026’s first day, the only mandatory system for advance warning will be the V16 connected beacon that can send the location of the vehicle to the DGT platform 3.0 through a SIM. FACUA claims that, despite not having geolocation, the beacons are still sold with the “DGT approved seal” and continue to be sold.

Consumers are misled by the practice; drivers should claim a reimbursement

The group argues the practice of selling obsolete beacons misleads thousands consumers. They purchase the devices, believing that they are in compliance when they will not be able to avoid a penalty. FACUA openly declares the practice fraudulent in order to avoid deception. It urges consumers to get a refund on any beacons they bought this year that were advertised with the DGT but didn’t specify it wasn’t connected.

The association reminds consumers to report any misleading beacons or manufacturers to the General Directorate of Consumer Affairs of Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2020.

Rubén Sánchez, the Secretary General of FACUA-Consumers in Action, criticised the “extremely serious inaction” of the DGT and claimed that it “has done absolutely nothing to stop this fraud against consumers. It does nothing while many companies, manufacturers and sales platforms make millions at the expense consumers.

DGT responds: Supreme Court is the true responsible

The DGT on the other side maintains it’s not their fault and has instead placed the blame at the Supreme Court of Spain. According to the DGT it was the Third Chamber who ruled in favor of the manufacturers in the year 2021, and that had authorized the use of this device without geolocation up until January 2026. The DGT has reiterated that it is opposed to the sale V16 beacons without a connection.

DGT has also informed consumers of the existence of a list of beacons on their websiteOn which drivers can double-check that their beacon includes connectivity.

Guardia Civil criticises V16 beacons

FACUA has not been the only organization to question the authority of the DGT in relation to the controversial V16 beams. Unified Association of Guardia Civils (AUGC) has also weighed into the debate, asking DGT to reconsider its decision to ban the reflective triangles previously required. The AUGC said on X that “the beacon alone (V16), without triangles, is a risk.” We advise drivers, if possible, to abandon the vehicle and move to a safe place – remaining in the vehicle is not at all safe. “The beacon is helpful, but not the only option.”

The group warns of the possibility that V16 might not give enough warning in adverse conditions, such as bad weather, which could result in severe accidents.

The V16 Beacons: Basics about Spain’s replacement to reflective triangles

The V16 beacons, which are small lights that flash continuously and emit 360-degree beacons for a duration of 30 minutes, are placed on top of vehicles in emergency situations without the need to leave the vehicle. The V16 beacons replace the reflective triangles. Models of the beacon that are connected will automatically send a vehicle’s location via the DGT platform 3.0 to alert emergency services, nearby drivers, and navigation apps. 

DGT says the new rule is designed to increase roadside safety, by removing the need for pedestrians to risk injuries while walking along the road. The fines for driving without a V16 approved will be significant, as over 25 million cars are affected.

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