the Beacon V16which you promote General Traffic Department As the only valid device for Signal malfunctions or accidents On the road, it will enter into force as an absolute obligation on January 1, 2026. According to Vicente Herranz, road safety expert, it will no longer be necessary to maintain the traditional triangles.
So far, both Beacon V16 like Traditional trianglesEspecially on secondary roads. But since then 2026 The only legal system will be the certified and connected V16.
What changes from 2026?
| component | Status until 2025 | From 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency signals | Fit triangle or V16 | Only the V16 is connected |
| requirements | 360 degree visible light | Light + Geolocation DGT 3.0 |
| Penalties | Do not apply | Up to 200 euros if not met |
Why choose DGT V16 engine
- Avoid getting out of the car And reduces Risk of being run over.
- It can be seen from a distance of more than 1 km In adverse conditions.
- Site transfer To emergency services.
What is not guaranteed: Validity outside Spain
Vicente Herranz confirms that The lighthouse will also be valid In countries like Portugal, France or Germanydepending on Vienna Convention on Road TrafficWhich allows the use of devices equivalent to the triangle.
However, there is no yet Coordinated recognition All over Europe.
- the Spanish regulations Its use is regulated inside the country, but acceptance outside it is not.
- Some countries Still require triangles to be explicitly stated in their National regulations.
- So be there Community alignmentInternational acceptance of the V16 is not guaranteed.
What do you do if you travel abroad?
It has both systems. The V16 engine has been mandatory in Spain since 2026, but the triangle may still be required abroad. It is better to prevent.
The V16 engine is considered an advancement in Security and technologyBut its use abroad is not guaranteed. Not even Europe Harmonization of standardsThe advice is clear: V16 + triangle.