RTVE Article - V16 Q&As

[Carl]

Worth just posting this because of the Q&As contained within it.

https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20251126/t ... 1726.shtml

A couple of points I noted, foreign registered vehicles are exempt from using a V16, and that the V16s are not vehicle or driver specific - I thought I read somewhere several months back that people who had purchased a V16 had to register it and provide a car registration number ? Maybe things have changed since.

Only the extracted Q&As, Google translated:

What is the connected V16 beacon ?

The connected V16 warning light is a flashing beacon that should be kept in the glove compartment and, if necessary, can be attached to the exterior of the vehicle with a magnet. The light is visible in 360 degrees and from a distance of one kilometer, provided there is sufficient visibility.

Why "connected" ?

Since the V16 light was incorporated as a legal hazard warning device on January 1, 2021, two types of beacon have coexisted: the standard V16 and the connected V16. From now on, the connected V16 will be the only legal warning device, as it offers connectivity, as its name indicates. This means that when activated, it anonymously sends its geolocation to the DGT 3.0 platform.

What is the DGT 3.0 platform ?

The DGT 3.0 platform is a digital system from the Spanish Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) that collects and shares real-time information on traffic and road conditions. Anonymously, it connects vehicles, infrastructure, and public services to automatically report incidents (accidents, roadworks, weather conditions, traffic jams, breakdowns, etc.) and improve road safety and mobility through open data accessible to drivers, navigation systems, and applications (such as Google Maps or Waze).

This same information also feeds into roadside information panels , which can update their messages in a matter of seconds to warn of upcoming hazards or changes in traffic.

Are there any monthly or annual fees to pay ?

No. When purchased, the approved V16 beacon includes all the necessary components for proper operation: a GPS chip and a non-removable SIM card. It also guarantees a minimum of 12 years of connectivity without any additional fees. However, it is important to check the expiration date of this connectivity, which is printed on the packaging and the device.

How can I tell if my model is approved ?

The DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) has published a list of certified makes and models, which you can consult at this link: https://www.dgt.es/muevete-con-segurida ... acion-V16/

Will it still be possible to use triangles or an unconnected beacon ?

Neither V16 beacons without a connection nor triangles will be valid in Spain as a means of signaling immobilized vehicles from 1 January 2026. With one exception: those vehicles that are registered in other countries and are in a situation of international circulation.

What to do in case of a breakdown ?

n the event of a breakdown, if the vehicle is still drivable, it's best to pull off the road as soon as possible and head towards the first accessible exit, driving on the right-hand shoulder. If it's not possible to continue, the safest course of action is to stop on the right-hand shoulder or in a place where it won't cause any inconvenience or obstruct traffic.

Next, turn on the connected V16 beacon, place it on the roof or in a clearly visible location on the car without getting out , and activate the emergency lights.

However, it's important to note that the V16 light only transmits the exact position of the stopped vehicle and does not send any personal or vehicle information. It also does not function as a system to alert emergency services ; that responsibility lies with the vehicle's occupants, if they are able to do so.

Since it is not an emergency services alert system or eCall, it is necessary to call 112 or contact the insurance company , depending on the situation.

Where is the beacon placed ?

As a general rule, the beacon should be placed at the highest point of the vehicle (on the roof, if possible) , ensuring maximum visibility, as explained by the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic). The specifications require that the beacon be stable on a flat surface; however, if, due to the height of the roof (heavy vehicles, buses, etc.) or any other reason, it is not possible to access or place it on the roof of the vehicle, the device must be attached to the driver's door.

Does its operation need to be checked ?

Maintaining the V16 depends on many factors. To ensure the device's effectiveness, it's essential to check its condition regularly. If it's battery-operated, it's recommended to replace the batteries annually. If it's rechargeable, a full charge should be performed at least once a year.

Furthermore, the devices must guarantee a minimum of 30 minutes of continuous operation after activation. It is therefore important to fully recharge the device after use to ensure it has full autonomy. In the case of batteries, the driver must ensure they have sufficient charge or carry spare batteries.

What are its main advantages and disadvantages ?

As already mentioned, the V16 connected device offers two major advantages over traditional warning triangles. First, it doesn't require leaving the vehicle to place it , thus avoiding walking on the road in case of a breakdown or accident, which can be dangerous. Second, thanks to its connectivity, other drivers will be notified, even miles away, that there's an incident at that location.

However, among its disadvantages, the light is perceived less well under certain conditions. For example, on a sharp curve or a change in gradient, or on a day with thick fog.

In case of emergency, should you stay in the vehicle ?

According to the General Regulations for Drivers, “in the event of an accident or breakdown, as a general rule, if the vehicle is immobilized and cannot be moved again, the occupants must leave the vehicle, provided there is a safe place outside the roadway and, in any case, they must exit the vehicle on the side opposite the flow of traffic without walking or remaining in the lanes or shoulders that make up said roadway. If traffic conditions do not allow the occupants to leave the vehicle safely, they must remain in the passenger compartment with their seatbelts fastened .”

Which vehicles are required to carry this beacon ?

According to the General Vehicle Regulations, passenger cars, mixed-use vehicles, goods vehicles, and buses are required to have one. It is not mandatory for motorcycles, but it is recommended.

Will drivers be more closely monitored ?

With the V16 connected, no vehicle is permanently geolocated. They won't be able to follow you or know your speed. The beacon only transmits its position when activated, but it doesn't send any personal or vehicle data. In other words, the beacons don't permanently geolocate the vehicle; they only transmit its position when activated in an emergency.

If I have several vehicles, is it mandatory to carry a beacon in each of them ?

No, the V16 is not linked to a specific vehicle or driver. Therefore, it is not necessary to have a beacon in every vehicle, although it is mandatory to carry it when driving any vehicle.

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Also worth pointing out something that was highlighted elsewhere on the internet, the EU has not adopted the V16 and therefore warning triangles are still required to be carried if driving your Spanish registered car in other EU countries.

[jimny1]

It's four weeks now until everyone must have a Vi6 warning beacon , i still haven't got one yet
I was holding out for offers especially with black friday and christmas coming up but haven't seen any
I went to the boulevard shopping to get a belt altered at the key place and he was advertising them at 30% off
When i asked the price it was over 50 euros, with discount !!
I am sure i was seen them for under 40
Can anyone recommend where to buy one at a reasonable price either online or around the la zenia area ?
TIA
UPODATE
I got a black friday deal from carrefour, 29.99 reduced from 39.99 , last day today if anyone wants one
You can order online or take a chance they have them instore