Have you heard about connected V16 beacons but aren't sure exactly what they are or if you need one? In this article, we explain everything clearly and simply: what the DGT says, when the standard comes into effect, and what requirements your beacon must meet.
What is a connected V16 beacon?
A connected V16 beacon is a luminous device that replaces emergency triangles. It is mounted on the roof of the vehicle in the event of a breakdown or accident and emits a light visible from 1 km away .
Most importantly, these beacons are connected via the IoT (Internet of Things), allowing them to automatically send your location to the DGT 3.0 platform as soon as you activate them.
What does the DGT say about this new regulation?
The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has defined a new, safer and more efficient pre-signaling system. Starting January 1, 2026 , it will be mandatory to carry a connected and approved V16 beacon instead of triangles.
This change is established in Royal Decree 159/2021 and seeks to:
- Prevent you from leaving the vehicle in dangerous situations.
- Reduce secondary accidents due to lack of visibility.
- Streamline emergency management with anonymous geolocation.
What must an approved V16 beacon comply with?
To be legal, your beacon must meet the following requirements:
- Official V16 approval by an accredited laboratory.
- NB-IoT or LTE-M connection that works nationwide.
- Anonymous transmission of location to the DGT.
- Minimum duration of 30 minutes with 360° visibility.
- IP protection against water and dust.
Hero Driver LED: connected, fee-free, and approved
At Ryme Automotive, we've developed the Hero Driver LED , a connected, geolocated, and DGT-certified V16 beacon. It includes Vodafone network connectivity with no fees until 2040 and meets all the required technical requirements.
Learn more about our beacon at herodriver.es or check out our full catalog at rymeautomotive.com .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use triangles in 2025?
Yes, but they will no longer be valid as of January 1, 2026.
What happens if I don't have a V16 beacon in 2026?
You could receive a penalty for not complying with current regulations.
Can the DGT track me with this beacon?
No. The data sent is anonymous and is used only for traffic management.
