DGT increases fines for V16 beacon thefts despite an increase in the number

Pere Navarro is the Director of Spain’s General Directorate of Traffic (DGT). He has confirmed that, “at this moment,” traffic officers are going to reprimand motorists who have a breakdown on the road or an accident and don’t install a V16 beacon. This, despite claims made previously that the security forces were “flexible” in facilitating the adoption of the new rule. The announcement comes after several incidents of car thieves breaking into vehicles to steal V16 emergency beacons. This has been happening in Malaga, on the Costa del Sol.

Authorities will sanction drivers who do not properly use V16 beacons ‘at this time’

Fernando Grande-Marlaska, the Minister of Interior, had previously stated that the security officials would prioritize information over sanctions regarding the correct use of the V16 mandatory beacons which came into effect January 1, 2026. Marlaska claimed that the V16 beams are intended to improve safety on the road: “We don’t want to rush into sanctions.”

Navarro, the Director of Traffic in Spain, has made it clear that he will not be allowing this conversation to continue. “At this point, if you have a breakdown and stop, or an incident such as that, but you don’t wear it, you’ll be reported, because it is required by law,” said the head of Spain’s traffic authority.

According to Navarro a “comfortable time” was given to drivers to learn and adapt to the rule. But the DGT monitors ‘almost 30 millions vehicles and our ultimate goal is not to issue fines, but to save lives. In his remarks, the director didn’t mention any specific dates.

The severity of the sanctions can vary from fines and prison sentences to minor fines

Drivers who do not own a DGT-approved V16 emergency beacon in their vehicle could face a fine of up to €80. Although not owning a beacon is a minor infraction, using it improperly on the road is a serious offense. In the event of injuries or fatalities, the driver could face a prison sentence. The accidental activation could also lead to sanctions.

The V16 Beacon: Controversial since the very start

The V16 is a compact flashing amber light placed on the roof in the event of a road accident. The V16 emergency beacon is a compact, amber flashing light that must be placed on the roof of a vehicle in case of an incident or accident.

The beacon has caused controversy ever since it was announced. There have been criticisms about its price, lack of visibility when certain conditions are present, or even possible fraud by using devices that were not approved by the DGT. Guardia Civil, on the other hand, has stated that V16 beams are unsafe. It is concerned that thieves may take advantage by finding vulnerable drivers with the beacon.

V16 beams are the new target of thieves in Spain

V16 emergency beacons have become a hot item when it comes to thieves. On Wednesday morning, January 14, thieves raided an underground parking lot in Malaga’s La Victoria neighborhood and broke into seven cars. They were apparently trying to steal the mandatory emergency beacons. The vehicles were discovered later that same day with windows and windshields broken. Except for one vehicle, all of the V16 beacons as well as garage remotes had been taken. Local residents think the vehicle with no beacon theft was saved by hiding the beacon. The Spanish National Police has launched an investigation.

A similar but larger series of thefts occurred in the Leon Province of Spain. There, 30 cars were broken into to steal their contents. Of these, the V16 beacon is the most prized. More robberies have also been reported in the Spanish city of A Coruña.

Since the 2025-2026 holidays, these robberies are becoming more frequent. This is just before the Spanish law made beacons mandatory. The thieves reportedly steal V16 beacons and sell them later on the blackmarket.

How drivers can avoid fines

Authorities are doing their best to stop them. However, drivers can give themselves an advantage by hiding their emergency beacons in a compartment or glove box in their car. Check the DGT website to ensure that the V16 emergency beacons are officially approved by the DGT. online reference list here.

The rule is clear on sanctions: you must have the V16 beacon at all times in your car and use it correctly, or pay up.

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