The Director General of Traffic (DGT) reminds us that all vehicles must carry the V-16 Beacon (Baliza V-16) (DGT) from January 1, 2026, and although not obligatory for motorcycles it is recommended.
The beacon must be kept in the glove compartment of your vehicle or in another accessible place.
In case you need to use it the driver needs to switch it on and place it on the highest part of the vehicle so that it is physically visible. You should be able to do this without getting out of your vehicle.
This beacon is totally autonomous thanks to its integral SIM card without any need for mobile phone or external applications. The Telecommuniation Companies do not charge any additional cost for this service and the normal guarantee for a minimum connection of 12 years is included in the price of the beacon.
The beacons have an automatic geolocator that sends the location of a vehicle, when activated, to alert the rest of users on the road where the vehicle has stopped.
It also has a potent luminous visibility by a yellow light visible at 360 degrees and is clearly distinguishable from a distance.
The DGT has also issued the following information in light of misinformation that is appearing on various social network sites, WhatsApp and Telegram.
One of these is that the beacon can register the movements and reveal the identity of the driver.This is not true. The beacon is designed to give the location of a vehicle that has stopped and with the beacon in use. This identification is not connected to a person or a licence plate.
Another doubt circulating is that the beacons only wortk in Spain and fail to function outside the country. This is false. The V-16 Beacon functions in other European countries and the UK.
Regarding the fines for failing to carry the beacon the offence is considered «minor» and carries a fine of 80 euros.
Editors Note:
Apparently the lights are selling out quickly in the Murcia region and the price is increasing. Plese remember you can buy it on various internet shopping sites but please ensure the Beacon V-16 you buy is authentic and DGT approved.
