Now that everyone has acquired their V16 beacon, since it will be mandatory to include one in each vehicle from January 1, 2026, it is more important than ever to identify whether the beacon we are going to acquire has an IDIADA or LCOE code.
These two acronyms represent the laboratories associated with DGT who are dedicated to granting V16 beacon distributors the certificates of approval they need to be able to sell models of Connected emergency lighting authorized for vehicles. On the one hand, IDIADA means “automotive design, engineering, testing and approval” and the full name of the laboratory is Apps+IDIADA. On the other hand, LCOE corresponds to the acronym ofI Official Central Laboratory of Electrical engineering.
Why are IDIADA and LCOE so important for V16 tags?
Firstly, without the agreement of one of these laboratories, no distributor can sell the brands they market. the markers that the DGT considers legal. Therefore, brands that have entered the approved V16 emergency lighting market need an IDIADA or LCOE certificate.
To ensure that the V16 we purchase is approved and, therefore, They can’t fine us for using itmust include a code digital IDIADA or an LCOE. First of all, the codes IDIADA They always start with “IDIADA PC” and are followed by a succession of eight digits, for example IDIADA PC23060613.
For their part, the LCOE codes They accompany a succession of 10 numbers, a letter and an additional number (which may or may not appear), like this: LCOE 2022110790G1. If you do not find any of these codes on the tag itself or on the packaging with which it is sold, it is very likely that it is not approved by the DGT. even if it is a V16 Connected model.
For this reason this code is so important, to ensure that it exists and has a homologation file, we must use the article available on the DGT website where they are registered. all IDIADA and LCOE approved models.
What will be the fine for not taking a V16 with an IDIADA or LCOE license?
As the head of the DGT Telematics field explains to usMonserrat Estaca, in an interview for 20 minutesthe penalty will be the same as currently imposed for driving without emergency triangles, i.e. up to 80 euros.
Thus, from January 1, 2026, if the Civil Guard finds that you do not have one of these devices approved by IDIADA or LCOE inside the car during a traffic stop or if we stop on the shoulder without activating the Emergency lighting V16 Connectedthey can fine us.