DGT-certified connected V16 beacon: 2026 guide

Which V16 beacon is valid in 2026

Since 1 January 2026, a certified connected V16 is the legal warning device for immobilised vehicles in Spain. Marketing language is not enough: verify the exact make and model on the DGT's official list before buying.

• It must transmit the vehicle's position to the DGT 3.0 platform when activated.
• The required connectivity must be included without a separate driver subscription.
• Its certification code and model must match the official list.
• Older non-connected V16 lights do not meet the 2026 requirement.

Where to keep it and how to place it

Keep the beacon stable and within reach inside the passenger compartment, not buried beneath luggage. Stop in the safest available place, switch on the hazard lights and place the beacon on the highest part of the vehicle without walking into traffic.

• Read the model instructions before an emergency.
• Check the service expiry date and battery condition.
• Do not walk along the carriageway to place warning equipment.
• Call 112 when someone is injured or immediate danger remains.

What the connected beacon does

When activated, the beacon shares the immobilised vehicle's position so the incident can be relayed to other road users. It does not replace an emergency call, roadside assistance or police instructions.

Common buying mistakes

Do not choose by price, old reviews or the word ‘approved’ alone. Verify the exact model, included connectivity, stated expiry and ease of placement. Review it with the rest of the car kit each season without triggering an emergency alert unless the manufacturer provides a safe test mode.