Purchased a V16 beacon? Spain’s site visitors authority simply modified the principles – with out warning

In case you purchased a V16 emergency beacon as a result of Spain’s site visitors authority stated it was authorized, you’re not alone. And in case you’re now questioning whether or not that very same machine continues to be legitimate, you’re additionally not alone.

In a transfer that has caught many drivers off guard, the Dirección Normal de Tráfico (DGT) has quietly eliminated the approval of a number of V16 beacons from its personal official listing. No prior discover. No detailed clarification. Only a sudden replace that has left motorists checking mannequin numbers and questioning what went incorrect.

The timing might hardly be worse. The choice comes simply days earlier than Spain strikes nearer to imposing new street security guidelines that can make related V16 beacons obligatory.

Accredited someday, gone the following

Till very just lately, the affected beacons had been listed as totally authorized on the DGT’s website. Many drivers purchased them exactly for that purpose, trusting the authority’s certification.

Then, inside a matter of hours, a number of fashions disappeared from the listing.

Drivers say there was no warning and no clear clarification as to why the units had been eliminated. For a lot of, it felt like the bottom instantly shifted below their toes. That they had adopted the principles. That they had checked the official listing. And now, they had been being instructed to examine once more.

Social media and driver boards rapidly full of questions. Is my beacon nonetheless legitimate? Do I would like a brand new one? Will I be fined later?

Why V16 beacons are about to change into unavoidable

V16 beacons are set to interchange the standard emergency triangle, which requires drivers to step out of their car – one thing that has led to severe accidents on high-speed roads.

From January 1 2026, drivers in Spain might be required to make use of related V16 beacons when breaking down or after an accident. These units emit a flashing amber mild seen from all sides and robotically ship the car’s location to the DGT’s site visitors platform (DGT 3.0).

To be thought-about authorized, a beacon should meet two circumstances: technical approval and confirmed connectivity. A number of of the fashions just lately faraway from the listing had beforehand met these necessities, at the very least in accordance with the DGT’s personal data.

That’s what has left so many drivers scratching their heads.

DGT gives reassurance, however questions stay

Following the backlash, the DGT has acknowledged on its web site that units already bought can proceed for use till the tip of their helpful life. That message has offered some reduction, however it hasn’t cleared up the confusion.

What hasn’t been defined is why the approvals had been withdrawn within the first place. Had been there technical points? Connectivity issues? Administrative errors? The authority has not given an in depth reply.

Because of this, drivers are being instructed to examine the technical identification codes printed by the DGT to verify whether or not their beacon continues to be recognised. For a lot of, that appears like a activity they shouldn’t should do after shopping for a supposedly authorized security machine.

Drivers suggested to proceed with warning

Highway security consultants remind motorists that the necessities for V16 beacons are strict. The machine should emit a 360-degree flashing amber mild and be registered as transmitting geolocation knowledge to the DGT system. With out each, it gained’t be accepted as soon as the regulation is totally enforced.

Within the meantime, a number of driver associations are urging warning. Their recommendation is easy: examine your machine, hold proof of buy, and phone the retailer in case your mannequin has been faraway from the authorized listing. In some circumstances, exchanges or refunds could also be attainable.

What has angered many motorists is not only the choice itself, however the best way it was dealt with. Final-minute adjustments, particularly with out clarification, undermine confidence and go away drivers feeling they’re being requested to guess what compliance actually means.

For now, the message from shopper teams is obvious: don’t assume, even when your machine was authorized yesterday. Test once more. And regulate official updates.

As Spain prepares to totally implement the brand new V16 beacon guidelines, drivers are hoping the DGT will provide clearer steering – and fewer surprises – within the months forward.