Many questions still remain to be answered around the V16 Connected tags in just a few weeks. for its imperative implementation. As of January 1, 2026, nearly 30 million four-wheel vehicles will have to be equipped with one of these devices to road emergencies before reporting.
Ignorance of this emergency light has filled incorrect assumptions and information social networkspIt is for this reason that the General Directorate of Traffic shared the information in a press release.on clarify and deny the main myths about the features and functions of the device, as well as the regulations that govern it.
Should triangles be used in other countries?
The DGT declared the following statement false: “If I travel abroad and I have to immobilize my vehicle, I must use the triangles”, even if it is nuanced.
On the one hand, the traffic regulator specifies in the press release that: “The V-16 is valid for Spanish vehicles circulating in signatory countries of the Vienna Convention”, therefore, not for all countriesonly for those who have signed and ratified the said convention. On the other hand, it is not means triangles cannot be used in these countries to report road emergencies in advance if you are driving a vehicle with a Spanish license plate.
Actually, The Vienna Convention establishes: “That countries may require, to allow international traffic on their territory, that the automobile carry on board a signaling device which will be constituted either by a plate in the shape of an equilateral triangle, or by any other device of equal effectiveness prescribed by the legislation of the country in which the vehicle is registered”, as the DGT itself indicates in its note.
What other myths about the V16 has the DGT dismantled?
The General Directorate of Traffic denied some more misinformation which circulate on the connected V16 beacon. Among the most important details, it should be noted that V16 does not automatically call 112 nor to the roadside assistance service, and that does not geolocate or constantly share personal data– Only transmits information when the user presses the alert button.
Likewise, the traffic regulator reminds that any V16 beacon is not valid: only the approved with LCOE or IDIADA number They respect the regulations. An app or mobile phone is not required for operation, and there will be no fees to paysince all approved beacons guarantee at least 12 years of connectivity.
The organization also points out that the V16 works even in tunnels or areas without coverageand what is safer than traditional trianglesbecause this prevents drivers from having to get out of the vehicle and exposing themselves to accidents. Finally, the obligation to have this device per vehicle will come into force January 1, 2026.
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