Starting January 1, 2026, the V-16 emergency lights, intended to communicate a breakdown to other drivers, will be mandatory. Until that date, these luminous beacons, which emit a high-intensity yellow or orange light, coexist with the traditional emergency triangles on the roads. They are becoming more frequent and the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) recommends their use because it is a highly visible and effective device to alert about emergency situations, thus providing greater safety on public roads.
During this transition period until the definitive adaptation of the V-16 lights as the only valid element to notify other drivers of an incident, Traffic is introducing new functions in relation to these light beacons and the DGT 3.0 platform.
The agency dependent on the Ministry of the Interior reports that the DGT 3.0 platform is already receiving signals with the locations of those cars that suffer an incident on the road and whose drivers have placed the V-16 beacon connected to the top of the vehicle to warn to other road users of their presence.
When the geopositioning of a vehicle is received in DGT 3.0, the platform automatically sends the notice to the navigators, the mobility applications and the on-board computers of the vehicles so that the drivers who circulate in the area of influence of the vehicle stopped can take the appropriate measures and continue driving safely. Sometimes, it is enough to reduce speed or change lanes to ensure smooth traffic and prevent possible risky situations on the road.
This advanced technology not only optimizes road safety, but also promotes greater efficiency and coordination in traffic, improving the driving experience for all road users.
Although the V-16 connected light will not be mandatory until January 1, 2026, there are already a large number of models of this new light signal certified by the DGT. The organization itself has a section on its website to consult all the certified models that, if they have to be used, would send the data to the DGT 3.0 platform.
Currently, two types of V-16 emergency lights are available on the market, those that are connected and those that are not. Although the latter are cheaper, the DGT recommends purchasing those that are connected since they will be the only ones valid from January 1, 2026. Opting for the simplest beacons is only a temporary solution and will force those who buy them to make a double investment by having to update your devices later to comply with current regulations.
The connected V-16 integrates inside its casing all the elements necessary for its operation, including communications, without having to resort to external elements such as mobile phone applications or other similar devices.
The regulations establish a minimum connectivity availability of 12 years for V-16 lights, the cost of which is already included in the sale price of the beacon, so it will not be necessary to pay any additional amount. The DGT warns, however, the importance of observing the expiration date, printed both on the packaging and on the device itself.
Since last July 1, the DGT has eliminated the mandatory use of emergency triangles to signal an incident on highways and highways. The measure was adopted after the increase in accidents on this type of road, given that the majority of these accidents occur during the placement of the triangles.
For this reason, it is advisable to carry a V-16 emergency beacon in the car to warn other drivers, especially in situations of reduced visibility. One of the great advantages that the V-16 sign provides with respect to emergency triangles is that it is not necessary to get out of the car to place it, since it adheres to the roof using a magnet from the driver's position.
