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What drivers need to know about the V16 beacon rule
Photo Credit: DGT
The authorities have removed five popular emergency beacons, bringing the number of defective beacons to approximately 300. This new development follows the mandatory introduction of V16 connected devices in January 2026. It reveals the ongoing doubts about the new road safety equipment and the regulatory scrutiny.
V16 beacons replace the traditional warning triangles with modern electronic emergency devices on Spanish highways. These small, battery-powered LED lights can be used in emergency situations such as car breakdowns or accidents. They automatically send an alert to nearby drivers through the DGT 3.0 Platform. In Spain, the use of a V16 is mandatory starting in January 2026.
Models affected by DGT’s latest decision
Trafic Safety, S.L. is the manufacturer of four models, all based in Barcelona.
- ISSE Safety Light
- ISSE Safety Light 2
- Dunlop V16
- Swiss Drive V16.
ELTV16EUROLIGHT, a product from another manufacturer, also lost its approval. These products are no longer allowed to be sold under the DGT approved devices. These products have been removed from the list because the manufacturers are no longer in business and cannot guarantee their cloud connection. The official list of devices approved has been published updated.
DGT claims that drivers who currently have these V16 beacons in their vehicle and purchased them may be affected. A replacement will not be necessary for the time being, as their cloud connections will serve as backups. According to DGT, the safety of Spanish roads is dependent on reliable warning systems which alert other drivers and are connected to the DGT platform 3.0.
EU does not intervene in V16s
In early February 2026 and into early March, the Commission clarified its position definitively. It confirmed that there was no EU legislation specifically governing emergency alert devices of this kind, which means the measure is entirely under national jurisdiction in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. In the end, Spain won the dispute and no infringement proceedings took place.
Guardia Civil union’s stance on enforcement
The largest Guardia Civil union, AUGC (Asociación Unificada de Guardias Civiles), has repeatedly described the compulsory replacement of traditional warning triangles with V16 devices as a “precipitated decision” and a “great error”. Officers should issue fines to those who fail to deploy or carry a V16 beacon that is compliant with the law.
Prominent lawyer Andrés Millán The government has publicly stated that owners can “continue to use the vehicles until their useful life is over without incurring a fine”. It remains to be seen whether Guardia Civil officials are aware of this situation in a rapidly changing environment. Attorney firms who deal with traffic fines advise keeping the proof of purchase as well as the original homologation information (i.e. the box) and then appealing any fine through administrative channels.
