The connected V16 beacon is a road safety device that replaces traditional warning triangles and, starting in 2026, will be mandatory in all vehicles in Spain.
Its main innovation is the ability to automatically send your location to the DGT 3.0 platform thanks to IoT technology. How does it do this? We'll explain it step by step.
1. Activation from inside the vehicle
In the event of a breakdown or accident, you don't need to leave the car. Simply remove the beacon from the passenger compartment (glove compartment or door), place it on the roof, and press the start button .
This simple gesture activates both the LED emergency light and the geolocation functionality.
2. Emission of high-intensity flashing light
The beacon begins to emit a flashing light visible in 360° up to 1 km away, even in adverse weather conditions. This alerts other drivers to your presence on the road.
The light remains active for at least 30 minutes, as required by the V16 approval regulations.
3. Sending the position to the DGT
Simultaneously with the light activation, the beacon automatically connects to the NB-IoT or LTE-M network to transmit your GPS location to DGT 3.0 .
This process:
- It is done automatically.
- Does not require conventional mobile coverage.
- No app, mobile phone, or manual setup required.
- It does not identify the user : the submission is 100% anonymous.
4. Useful information for emergency services
Thanks to this connection, assistance services, the Civil Guard, and road maintenance can know where a vehicle is stopped in real time, improving response and reducing the risk of secondary accidents.
5. Internal technology
An approved connected beacon includes:
- IoT chip with national connectivity (Vodafone or other operator)
- GPS or multi-constellation sensor (Galileo, Glonass, BeiDou...)
- Internal antenna for transmission to IoT network
- Long-lasting internal battery
- Housing with IP54 protection
Hero Driver LED: an all-in-one beacon
The Hero Driver LED incorporates all this technology, is certified by the DGT and has Vodafone IoT connectivity included until 2040 without fees .
In addition, it has been designed with a taller format and improved magnetic base, ideal for vehicles with raised roofs or railings.
Buy yours at herodriver.es or check out more technical details at rymeautomotive.com .
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need mobile coverage to work?
No. It uses NB-IoT networks that work even where the mobile phone has no signal.
Do I have to pay any subscription?
No. For Hero Driver LED, connectivity is included until 2040 at no additional cost.
Can geolocation fail?
This isn't common. The beacon uses multiple satellites to ensure precise location.
