The introduction of the mandatory V16 beacon in Spanish cars has become one of the most talked-about topics among drivers. The new requirement, taking effect in January 2026, directly impacts road safety and may result in serious financial consequences for those unfamiliar with the device’s usage details. Questions about when and how to activate the beacon concern not only novice drivers but also experienced motorists.
The V16 system replaced the familiar warning triangles to reduce accidents and injuries on the roadside. However, new risks have also emerged: fines for not having the device or for improper use can reach tens of thousands of euros. For many Spaniards, this came as a surprise, as such amounts previously seemed unimaginable when it came to road violations.
Fines and key points
The use of the V16 beacon is strictly regulated. Failing to have the device in your vehicle results in an 80-euro fine—a familiar amount for those who have forgotten the warning triangle. But it is far riskier to be among those who misuse the beacon. If a false alarm is recorded or it is activated without real cause, the fine can range from 1,500 to 30,000 euros, especially if government services are involved or traffic is disrupted as a result.
Drivers should remember: the system records every time the device is activated, and a unique serial number allows authorities to trace who and when activated the baliza. This eliminates the possibility of anonymous use and makes every road action transparent for regulatory agencies. Even a minor mistake can lead to problems if you’re unaware of the existing “safety windows.”
Grace period
The authorities have provided for a certain period during which drivers won’t be fined for not having a baliza installed. This “flexible” phase is intended to give motorists time to get used to the new rules. However, you shouldn’t get complacent: once the system is fully operational, any violations will be automatically recorded. It’s important to note that the baliza does not connect directly to emergency services—its sole function is to transmit the vehicle’s coordinates to the digital road service platform.
If a driver activates the baliza by mistake, they have 100 seconds to turn it off before the signal is sent to the system. Within this time, a fine can be avoided if the error was accidental. This approach helps reduce unwarranted penalties but requires attentiveness and quick reactions.
Where can you test
Using the beacon outside public roads — for example, in a garage or on private property — does not result in any penalties. The system automatically ignores signals that originate from locations other than roads or streets open to traffic. This allows users to test the device at home without fear of consequences.
However, the situation changes if the beacon is activated on the road without an accident or breakdown. In such cases, the driver’s actions may be deemed an abuse of the system. Cases where a false alarm leads to the dispatch of emergency services or causes disruption to other road users are punished particularly severely.
Tracing and monitoring
Each V16 beacon is equipped with a unique number that is recorded when the device is activated. This enables road services to quickly identify who turned on the device and where. This level of control is designed to prevent misuse and increase driver accountability. In case of any dispute, the sequence of events can always be reconstructed to determine whether the activation was justified.
Drivers should remember: the V16 beacon is not just a new accessory, but a safety system component, and improper use can come at too high a price. Caution and knowledge of the rules become not just recommendations, but necessities for everyone who takes to Spanish roads.
