The technological revolution in road technology arrives in Spain with a strict date: on January 1, 2026, traditional triangles will no longer be valid. In their place, only
The rule impacts more than 30.5 million vehicles, but the disturbing fact is another: 80% of drivers still do not have the V-16, according to a study by Coyote, despite the fact that its use will be mandatory in a few weeks. The transition not only has safety implications, but also economic and technological ones.
Why are triangles disappearing? A change driven by the accident rate
The DGT’s justification is convincing: every year about twenty people are killed when triangles are put in place. The new device aims to eliminate this risk exposure.
With the V16 Beacon, simply roll down the window and place it on the roof, thanks to its magnetic base. Its light should be visible at
The DGT 3.0 connection: how it really works
The beacon not only illuminates: it automatically sends a geolocation signal to the traffic servers when it is activated. This information is used to alert other drivers by means of illuminated panels or navigation apps. The emission is periodic (every 100 seconds) and stops when it is deactivated.
Privacy guaranteed: will the DGT track your car?
The public debate has intensified in recent months: can V16 Beacons become a covert surveillance tool? Concern has been raised on social networks, but both the DGT and the AEPD have been categorical in denying this possibility.
Both agencies explain that the beacon only transmits the position of the vehicle when it is activated due to a breakdown or accident, and never during normal driving. They also point out that it does not send personal data or the license plate number, but uses a “technical identifier” that is not associated with a specific person.
They also stress that the beacon incorporates a soldered eSIM, whose only function is to issue the emergency alert, with no technical capacity for calls, navigation or continuous data transmission. The connection is made through IoT networks, designed exclusively to send minimal packets of information.
Consequently, the operation of the device prevents any kind of continuous tracking or trip monitoring. The beacon does not identify the driver or allow reconstruction of his movements, and is strictly limited to communicating a roadside immobilization.
A billion-dollar business: this is how a 1.4 billion market has emerged
The obligation has created a lucrative niche. V16 Beacons cost between 40 and 50 euros, because they include mandatory connectivity for 12 years. The triangles cost between 5 and 25 euros and had no expiration date.
The overall figure is gigantic: with 34.5 million vehicles, the market moves almost 1.4 billion euros. The state also gains: each unit carries 8.4 euros of VAT, generating a revenue of nearly 264 million.
Telecoms, manufacturers and chains: who sells V16 beacons?
Although there are 239 approved models, only 29 manufacturers actually produce, and three companies dominate two-thirds of the market: LimburgTechnology, LedelSolutions and Premier Auto Accessory. Prominent among them is NetunSolutions, founded by two former civilian guardsmen.
The telecoms have entered fully: Vodafone, Movistar and MasOrange offer their own beacons for about 50 euros, with aggressive promotions such as those of Orange or Euskaltel, which give them free in exchange for permanence. In retail, MediaMarkt, Amazon, Carrefour or El Corte Inglés offer models between 34.95 and 39.99 euros, and the cheapest option detected is the Trophy V16 IoT for 29.90 euros.
Technical specifications: what is required by the DGT
The regulations governing V16 beacons are particularly strict and mark a before and after with respect to the old emergency triangles. From January 1, 2026, only connected beacons, those capable of transmitting information to the DGT 3.0 platform, will be legal.
One of the keys to the new system is the internal technology of these devices. All beacons must incorporate an integrated, non-removable eSIM, soldered onto the circuit board, ensuring that it can only be used for automatic emergency communication. When the light signal is activated, the device sends the location of the vehicle every 100 seconds, maintaining a constant pulse until the incident is resolved.
These beacons also have a limited useful life: they expire after 12 years, since that is the maximum period during which the eSIM maintains the connectivity service included in the price. After that time, the user will have to replace the beacon with a new one or contract a reconfiguration if the manufacturer allows it.
In terms of power, all V16 Beacons are powered exclusively by batteries, not rechargeable batteries. This is due to the requirement of reliability in the face of prolonged inactivity. The DGT establishes that they must guarantee a minimum autonomy of 30 minutes in emergency mode, in addition to being able to remain at rest for up to 18 months without losing efficiency.
To withstand road conditions, the devices must have IP54 certification, which ensures resistance to dust, humidity and wind. In addition, the standard sets a specific operating range: the beacons must operate correctly between -10°C and 50°C, even in adverse weather conditions.
Fines and legal risks: what happens if you don’t carry it
The DGT insists that only beacons with official LCOE or IDIADA homologation will be valid, something that must be verifiable on the device housing itself. In addition, the packaging must show an IMEI number, proof that the beacon has real data transmission capacity.
Not having the V16 or using one that is not homologated is considered a minor infraction and carries a fine of 80 euros, which is reduced to 40 euros with prompt payment. Penalties of up to 200 euros are also contemplated if the device is improperly used or if it does not meet the standards required by Traffic.
However, the most delicate aspect is not the fine, but the legal impact in the event of a claim. If it is proven that the signage used was not legal or failed due to lack of homologation, the insurer may refuse to cover the damages, leaving the driver in a particularly complicated economic and legal situation.
The last piece of advice: do not wait until December 31.
With just over a month to go, the recommendation is clear: buy the V16 Beacon as soon as possible.
The transition to the connected vehicle is no longer a futuristic concept. It is a legal obligation that will come into force with the chimes.
