The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has set a definitive expiry date for the traditional emergency triangles. Effective January 1, 2026, any failure or incident report that is not made using a V-16 beacon with cloud connectivity will be invalid and subject to fines. The measure, unique in Europe, aims to reduce road accidents, but has sparked a 1.4 billion euro trade battle between telecommunications and equipment manufacturers. It also raised concerns that the device could carry out surveillance and transmit private data of vehicle users.
Pere Navarro, general director of Traffic, wanted to dispel any doubts given the proximity of the date: “There will be no extensions or exceptions”. The force of his words seeks to mobilize the owners of the more than 30.5 million vehicles circulating in Spain and who, within a few weeks, will necessarily have this device in their glove compartment. Despite this, 80% of motorists still do not have this emergency light, even if in a few weeks its use will be mandatory, according to a study by Coyote, a driver assistance company.
The justification for this drastic measure lies in the accident statistics. The DGT has been warning for years about the high vulnerability of drivers who abandon the cab after a breakdown. According to traffic data, every year around twenty people lose their lives when they are hit while trying to place warning triangles.
Operation. The new V-16 light seeks to eradicate this risk by eliminating the need to tread on the road. The driver simply needs to roll down the window and place the magnetic device on the roof. Its technical specifications promise a substantial improvement in visibility: the light must be perceptible in a radius of 360 degrees and at a distance of one kilometer, far exceeding the reflective capacity of the old triangles, especially in low light or rainy conditions.
The real revolution, however, is not lighting, but digital. The key to the standard lies in the integration with the DGT 3.0 platform. When turned on, the beacon not only emits light, but also automatically sends a geolocation signal to the Traffic servers. This information is processed in real time to warn other road users, both through variable light panels on the road and through direct alerts in the navigation applications of connected vehicles. The goal is to anticipate the danger before making visual contact with the incident.
Privacy. Faced with the controversy sparked on social networks on the danger of violation of privacy, the DGT and the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) underlined that the function of the V-16 beacon is strictly limited to the geolocation of an immobilized vehicle in the event of an emergency. The signal emitted is completely anonymous and does not require traditional mobile coverage, as it connects to the DGT 3.0 platform through specialized networks.
Importantly, the device only transmits location when activated, without sending personal data or vehicle information, such as speed. The AEPD adds that the warning uses a “technical identifier” not associated with a person or license plate and since the driver does not have to register their details when purchasing the flashing light, the DGT does not know who purchased it. In short, the beacon does not reveal the identity of the driver or allow him to track his movements.
Furthermore, the integrated SIM card is programmed for a single function: automatically communicating the position of the emergency to the DGT 3.0 platform for 12 years at no additional cost. It is not used for browsing, texting or making calls. In most cases, the SIM card is not an easily removable physical card, but is soldered directly onto the electronic card inside the beacon. Additionally, the SIM is designed to work on Internet of Things (IoT) networks, such as NB-IoT, optimized for sporadically sending small data packets (location to DGT). If intense and constant use is detected (such as browsing or using mobile phone applications), the connection will be detected and blocked by the operator.
Commercial activity. The requirement has transformed a security feature into a profitable market niche. The business model is peculiar. The selling price of the device varies between 40 and 50 euros as it must include the cost of the data connection for a minimum period of 12 years. This represents a significant increase in price compared to the triangles, which cost between 5 and 25 euros and had no expiry date.
The numbers are significant: with an insured fleet of 34.5 million vehicles – of which 25 million cars, 2.5 million trucks and almost 3 million vans – the renewal of the signaling fleet will generate a turnover estimated at almost 1.4 billion euros.
The state will also benefit. Each lighthouse carries a VAT of 21%, or 8.4 euros per unit (with an average price of 40 euros). Multiplied by the over 31 million vehicles, the tax collection is close to 264 million euros in taxes.
Some motorists’ associations believe that behind the measure there is only a fundraiser disguised as a road safety message given that Spain is the only country in the European Union to have made this technology mandatory. This creates a paradox for the Spanish pilot: although the V-16 is mandatory within our borders, if you decide to travel to France or Portugal, you must also bring the old triangles with you, since the Spanish lighthouse is not recognized as a legal substitute in the rest of the continent.
Models, prices and distributors. This business niche has attracted a multitude of players, although the market is highly concentrated. Although the DGT has issued 239 approval certificates for different models, actual production falls to only 29 companies. Of these, a triumvirate dominates the sector: LimburgTechnology, LedelSolutions and Premier Auto Accessory bring together two-thirds of all flashing lights currently available on the market. Among these, the Spanish NetunSolutions stands out, founded by Jorge Costas and Jorge Torre, two former civil guards, whose growth has paralleled the change in legislation. In 2018 they managed to get the DGT to allow its use as a complement; In January 2022 they became the first company to approve an attached V-16 lighthouse; and they have recently strengthened their position by becoming official suppliers of Administration vehicles.
Since the essential requirement is connectivity, the telecom sector has become an inevitable strategic partner. Each V-16 light has an integrated eSIM card with prepaid data, which has led giants such as Vodafone, Movistar and MasOrange to design specific offers. They all charge around 50 euros per beacon, although they have promotions like Movistar at 34.90 euros. The most aggressive was MasOrange. Brands like Orange or Euskaltel offer the beacon for free in exchange for a 24-month stay to customers with convergent tariffs. Other brands in the group such as Yoigo or Jazztel apply symbolic rates of 1.5 euros per month in exchange for negotiating a rate or accepting a 24-month commitment.
But beacons can be found in large distribution channels. The cheapest option found is the Trophy V16 IoT model, available for just 29.90 euros via MediaMarkt. Amazon, El Corte Inglés and Carrefour offer a good variety of models from brands such as Help Flash IoT, SOS Road, iWottolight and Osram. These beacons are found in a narrow price range ranging from 34.95 to 39.99 euros.
Technical specifications. The technical standards are strict and the consumer must be careful not to purchase an obsolete product. Until December 31, 2025, old lights (without connection) will be able to coexist with new ones, but from January 1, only connected ones will be legal. How does the connection work? The beacon communicates through a private access point. When activated it sends the vehicle position every 100 seconds until the DGT receives the deactivation notification. A critical point is the expiration date. Since the eSIM is soldered or integrated into the chip, it is not removable. This means that, after 12 years of mandatory connectivity (theoretically in 2038), the user will be faced with the dilemma of whether to reconfigure the device by paying a new fee to the operator or purchasing a new one.
Another aspect that aroused surprise is the energy source. None of the connected V-16 beacons for sale have a rechargeable battery; They all run on batteries (usually AA or 9V). The legislation requires that these batteries guarantee a standby autonomy of 18 months and continuous operation of at least 30 minutes in emergency mode. This forces the driver to be proactive: it is recommended to carry spare batteries with you and check the device periodically. Furthermore, to withstand bad weather, the devices must have IP54 certification, which guarantees resistance to dust and humidity, as well as wind stability and operational capability in a temperature range between -10ºC and 50ºC.
Fines. The DGT warned that the devices must comply with the approval. To verify the legality of a warning light, the user must look for the approval code visible on the casing, which must begin with the initials LCOE or IDIADA, the only authorized laboratories. Furthermore, the IMEI number must be shown on the packaging, unequivocal proof that the device has data transmission capabilities.
Not carrying the signal or using a non-approved one is considered a minor infraction punishable by 80 euros (40 euros for prompt payment). However, the biggest risk is not the fine. In the event of an accident, if it were proven that the warning device was not working properly or was not certified, the insurance company could escape responsibility, leaving the driver in a very delicate legal and economic situation. Furthermore, there are fines of up to 200 euros if the device is used improperly or if it does not comply with road safety standards.
With just over 30 days left, the general recommendation is not to wait until the last minute. The transition to the connected car is no longer a promise for the future, but a legal obligation that will come into force in due course.
