Starting January 1, 2026, a new requirement will come into force in Spain for all drivers: every vehicle must be equipped with a V16 emergency beacon. This device will fully replace the traditional warning triangles and become the only authorized way to signal a breakdown or accident on the road. The introduction of this rule has raised many questions, especially regarding the beacon’s capabilities and its connection to the DGT 3.0 digital platform.
In recent months, social media has been abuzz with debates over whether the new system could be used to monitor vehicle speed. Many drivers are concerned that the data transmitted by the beacon might allow traffic police to automatically record speeding violations and issue fines without the involvement of an officer.
What data does the V16 beacon actually transmit?
According to Montserrat Estaca, head of the mobility telematics department at the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), these fears are unfounded. She stressed that the V16 beacon only transmits the vehicle’s coordinates to traffic control centers, and only at the moment when the device is activated. No information about speed or any other vehicle parameters is sent to the system.
Estaca also noted that even if someone tried to use this data to record speeding violations, such fines would have no legal standing. The DGT neither plans nor has the technical means to use the V16 beacon for speed control.
Possible fines for V16 beacon owners
Although the beacon does not track speed, certain penalties related to its use are still in place. If, after January 1, 2026, a Guardia Civil officer finds that a vehicle does not have a V16 beacon, the driver faces a fine of 80 euros—the same penalty currently applied for not having a warning triangle.
Additionally, improper use of the device can lead to more serious penalties—up to 200 euros. For example, if a driver activates the beacon without need or uses it inappropriately. In particularly severe cases, where misuse of the V16 results in an accident, criminal charges may even be filed, though such measures have not yet been officially adopted.
V16 beacon: limitations and uses
The Directorate General of Traffic emphasizes: the V16 beacon is intended solely to transmit information about the location of a broken-down vehicle. This data is sent to traffic control centers, after which the information appears on electronic highway signs and can also be integrated into navigation systems used by other drivers.
It is not yet confirmed whether this data is shared with third-party apps like Google Maps or Waze. It is important to note that the beacon does not perform the automatic emergency call function (eCall). In the event of an accident or breakdown, the driver is responsible for contacting emergency services or their insurance company.
Privacy and Data Protection
The DGT emphasizes that the V16 beacon does not collect or transmit any personal driver data or information about the vehicle itself. Only the car’s precise geolocation is transmitted to increase road safety and prevent further incidents.
Therefore, concerns about total control or tracking of motorists through the V16 are unfounded. The device is solely intended to enhance safety and inform other road users about potential hazards.
In case you didn’t know, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) is Spain’s state agency responsible for managing and ensuring road safety. The DGT develops new standards, implements innovative technologies, and enforces traffic regulations across the country. In recent years, the agency has been actively introducing digital solutions to reduce accidents and improve driver awareness. The introduction of the V16 beacon is part of a large-scale program to modernize Spain’s road infrastructure and boost overall safety.
