{"id":135928,"date":"2025-11-10T12:43:40","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T11:43:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lavozdeibiza.com\/sin-categorizar\/dgt-clarifies-how-to-correctly-use-connected-v16-beacons-dos-and-donts-in-case-of-failure\/"},"modified":"2025-11-10T12:43:40","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T11:43:40","slug":"dgt-clarifies-how-to-correctly-use-connected-v16-beacons-dos-and-donts-in-case-of-failure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lavozdeibiza.com\/en\/society\/dgt-clarifies-how-to-correctly-use-connected-v16-beacons-dos-and-donts-in-case-of-failure\/","title":{"rendered":"DGT clarifies how to correctly use connected V16 beacons: do’s and don’ts in case of failure"},"content":{"rendered":"

The connected V16 beacons<\/strong> will be mandatory in all vehicles in Spain as of January 1, 2026<\/strong>, and the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT)<\/strong> wanted to resolve the most frequent doubts about their use. These small luminous devices, which can already be purchased, aim to reduce road traffic accidents<\/strong> by preventing drivers from having to get out of the car to signal a breakdown or accident. <\/p>\n

However, although its operation is simple, its correct use is key to ensure safety<\/strong> and comply with regulations. The DGT has published a series of guidelines to explain how to act correctly<\/strong> in case of emergency and what mistakes drivers should avoid. <\/p>\n

Activating the V16 beacon: the first step in the event of a fault<\/h2>\n

Before any incident on the road, the first thing to do is to signal our position<\/strong>. To do so, the DGT recommends activating the V16 beacon<\/strong> as soon as the vehicle stops. <\/p>\n

The device has a magnetic base<\/strong> that allows it to be easily attached to the car roof. It should be placed as high as possible<\/strong>, preferably in the center of the roof, so that the light is visible from any angle. Most models light up with a single touch on the top<\/strong>, and emit a flashing amber light visible from a kilometer away<\/strong>, even in poor visibility conditions. <\/p>\n

\"V16
V16 Beacons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The great novelty of the connected beacons<\/strong> is their ability to automatically send the vehicle’s location<\/strong> to the DGT control center<\/strong> by means of a geolocation signal. This allows other drivers, especially those with connected navigation systems<\/strong>, to receive a real-time hazard warning<\/strong> about the incident. <\/p>\n

Reflective vests are still mandatory<\/h2>\n

One of the most common questions among drivers is whether, with the advent of V16 beacons, it will no longer be necessary to wear a reflective vest<\/strong>. The answer is no<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

According to the General Traffic Regulations<\/strong>, the occupants of the vehicle must leave the vehicle whenever there is a safe place off the roadway<\/strong>. In addition, they must do so on the opposite side of the road to the traffic<\/strong> and without remaining on the shoulder or in the traffic lanes<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

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    The DGT reminds that, in these cases, it is mandatory to wear a reflective vest before getting out of the car<\/strong>, since the beacon replaces the emergency triangles<\/strong>, but does not exempt the use of vests<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Only in those cases in which traffic conditions or the environment make it dangerous to leave the vehicle<\/strong>, the occupants must remain inside<\/strong>, with their seatbelts fastened<\/strong> and the V16 beacon activated<\/strong> on the roof. “If traffic conditions do not allow the occupants to leave the vehicle safely, they shall remain in the passenger compartment with the seat belt fastened,” the regulations state.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The V16 beacon does not alert emergency services.<\/h1>\n

    Another common misconception that the DGT wanted to clarify is the role of the connection to the Traffic network<\/strong>. Although connected V16 beacons<\/strong> transmit the exact position of the broken-down vehicle<\/strong>, this does not mean that the emergency services are automatically alerted<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

    The beacon has a purely informative function: it serves to mark the location of the car and alert other drivers<\/strong>, but it does not transmit personal or contact data.<\/strong> Therefore, if we suffer a breakdown or accident, we must be the ones to notify the assistance service or emergency teams<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

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    \ud83d\udea8 Do you know what to do in case of breakdown or accident with the #V16Connected<\/a>? We will only leave the \ud83d\ude97, conditions permitting, to go to a safe place. \u2139\ufe0f \ud83d\udc49 https:\/\/t.co\/vhJvaZ1M6A<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/EBay27Oo68<\/a> <\/p>\n

    – Dir. Gral. Tr\u00e1fico (@DGTes) October 4, 2025<\/a> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n