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A driver installs the new V16 emergency beacon on his vehicle near a Spanish road—mandatory from 2026 under DGT safety rules.
Credit: jordi.magrans / Shutterstock
The deadline for the V16 beacon has been hanging over the heads of Spanish motorists for months. Every driver in Spain must carry this device until January 2026.
The goal? The aim? To replace the risky reflective triangles that we have all struggled with. But if you already bought a V16, don’t get too comfortable – Spain’s traffic authorities, the DGT, have just given the green light to a brand new, much-improved beacon.
The Help Flash IoT+ is the latest model that addresses all of the previous criticisms. If you bought an early version of the device, you may regret it. Procrastinators have won this time around!
What’s New in the Help Flash IoT+ Version?
Let’s begin with visibility. The V16’s earlier beacons were criticized for their poor brightness. It’s all very well to make promises of “360 degree visibility”, but how about when the sun is shining in Spain? Not so much. The new Help Flash IoT+ packs a punch, clocking over 200 candelas – that’s a whopping 186 per cent brighter than its predecessor. The light is clearly visible from a distance of more than one kilometre, whether it’s day or night or rain or shine.
That’s not it. Early models had a tendency to blind you when placed on the car roof – not ideal when you’re already dealing with a breakdown. The new version softens the beam in just a few seconds. This makes life easier when you’re dealing with a breakdown.
Connectivity is important. Your beacon must comply with the law and connect to the DGT 3.0 platform. Once activated, the system automatically sends your exact location to traffic authorities. It also sends an electronic warning to other motorists via their GPS and road signs. The 21st Century update for Spanish road signs.
Here’s the catch. Only V16s that are connected will be legal as of 1 January 2026. If you picked up a cheaper, non-connected model, you’ll have to replace it – or risk a hefty fine. You have paid nothing.
Spanish Traffic Police weighs in
Guardia Civil Traffic division was one of the harshest critics to the V16 launch. Their main complaint was? They were too dim to be seen at a safe distance during daylight hours or in bad weather. The outgoing reflective triangles may have been a pain, but they offered greater visibility – especially on bends and hills.
Battery life is another concern. Officers point out that while the rules state your V16 must last for at least 30 minutes they also say that it can take a long time to fix a breakdown. Help Flash IoT+ is claiming to solve this issue, with better battery performance.
Should you upgrade your computer now or later?
If you already shelled out for a V16 beacon, don’t panic – if it’s connected and DGT-approved, it’ll still be legal. If you’re still looking, we recommend waiting for the Help Flash IoT+ model or another new-generation model. New standards are worth waiting for, with their brighter, more intelligent lights and smarter connectivity.
What is the moral of this story? For once, leaving it to the last minute might just be the smartest move – at least when it comes to Spain’s ever-evolving road safety gadgets.
