Beacon V16: how it works and what it means for drivers
Beacon V16 will be Mandatory throughout Spain from January 1, 2026Even in communities that bear their own traffic responsibilities. Its operation is guaranteed throughout the territory.
What is a beacon v16
Beacon V16 It’s a device Danger warning Which will replace Emergency triangles In passenger cars, mixed vehicles, freight transport and buses. Its use will be mandatory as of January 1, 2026, in accordance with the General Vehicle Regulations. This device is placed on the roof of the vehicle in the event of a breakdown or accident, and in addition to emitting light, it can send a signal to the DGT-3.0 operations center.
Devolved powers and the issue of Catalonia and the Basque Country
Traffic powers It was gradually transferred to Some autonomous communities. The Basque Region was the first region in 1983 to undertake these tasks, and in 2019 its judicial framework was expanded. In Catalonia, the transfer process was standardized in 1998. In Navarra, this process is expected to be completed in July 2026.
In this context, the following question arises: Will V16 signals operate in areas where the General Directorate of Roads does not directly exercise traffic powers?
Mandatory for all vehicles
DGT has made that clear that Beacon V16 It will be the only device Nationally recognized advance reference for the purpose indicated. This means that any driver in Spain, regardless of autonomous community, must equip their car with a V16 beacon or face penalties. The fine for not carrying it can be up to 80 euros, and for not using it when required up to 200 euros.
Technical operation in areas with independent authorities
One of the main doubts concerns whether The system will work When the beacon is activated in these communities. Who receives the signal? Do the dashboards work? Who coordinates the assistance? According to DGT, the anonymous signal is sent along with the location to Traffic Management Center (DGT 3.0). Once this information is received, it becomes available to everyone Traffic authoritiesincluding the corresponding regional authorities such as Servi Català de Trànsit and the Traffic Directorate of the Basque Government. They, in turn, will be responsible for communicating the situation through their networks, dashboards or traffic management devices.
What does it mean for the driver
Before trading
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Check that the V16 beacon He admitted it Certified According to Current regulations.
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Always own the device Accessible by car.
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In communities with Special competenciescheck possible Supplementary regional regulations (Although state commitment prevails).
In case of emergency on the road
When the vehicle stops due to a malfunction or accident, the driver must:
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Activate Beacon V16 On the roof of the car.
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An unknown signal is He was transferred to the National Traffic Center.
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the Competent authority (Whether state or regional) manages the information and can display it Notice boardsOr alarm devices or assistance services.
Comparative table of competencies and performance
| Autonomous community | Traffic device | Does the Beacon V16 work? | Signal responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basque country | Basque State Traffic Directorate |
Yes, completely |
Self-authority receives Signal from DJT 3.0 |
| Catalonia | Catalan transportation service |
Yes, completely |
Independent authority Receive the signal from DJT 3.0 |
| Other communities | DGT directly |
Yes |
DJT |
Final recommendations for the traveler
Preparing the car With Beacon V16 certified mandatory Regardless of the territory. Even if you are moving through communities where the General Directorate of Taxes does not have direct powers, the system does Ready to operate. All you have to do is activate the beacon and then the signal will be managed by the corresponding national and regional structure.
Keep the lighthouse in good repaircheck out expiration date Or the recommended replacement and make sure it is always there Enough energy To function properly when necessary.