A scandal is brewing in Spain over the sale of V16 automotive beacons, which, despite carrying official certification, will soon become illegal. Starting January 2026, devices without a built-in communication system will no longer be considered legal, yet retailers and manufacturers continue to market them as fully certified. Many drivers, unaware of the impending changes, are buying these beacons expecting to use them long-term.
The problem lies in the fact that packaging and advertising for these devices do not clearly warn that their usage period is limited. Consumers are being misled, believing they are purchasing a product that meets all requirements, when in reality, from 2026, these beacons will no longer fulfill their main function—alerting emergency services through automatic data transmission.
Violation of the law
Experts point out that this practice breaches several aspects of Spanish law. First, misleading consumers directly violates the law on unfair competition. Second, sellers and manufacturers are required to provide buyers with complete and accurate information about the product, especially when it comes to road safety.
Furthermore, the current royal decree governing the transition period between old and new beacon models clearly sets the deadlines after which devices not connected to the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) system will lose their legitimacy. Nevertheless, store inventories continue to be restocked with outdated models, putting drivers at risk of falling victim to unscrupulous sales.
Public reaction
Consumer protection organizations have already urged citizens to be cautious when purchasing beacons. Those who bought such devices in 2025 are advised to demand a refund and file complaints with the relevant authorities. According to activists, only mass appeals will draw attention to the issue and force responsible bodies to take action.
Drivers who have already purchased a beacon labeled “approved by DGT” but without data transmission capability may find themselves in an unpleasant situation: after January 1, 2026, their device will become useless and the money spent—wasted. Experts, therefore, recommend keeping receipts and purchase documentation in case they need to request a refund.
Manufacturer responsibility
Manufacturers and sellers of V16 beacons, according to legal experts, bear direct responsibility for providing incomplete information about the product. If it is found that a customer was misled, they should be refunded, and companies may face fines. The question of why government agencies are not properly informing citizens remains unanswered.
Many experts believe that the lack of clear communication from the DGT has been one of the main causes of widespread confusion. Drivers do not always keep up with legal changes, and retailers are reluctant to explain the details for fear of losing profits from selling outdated models.
DGT’s stance
Drivers and public organizations criticize the DGT for failing to sufficiently inform the public. In their view, the government should have warned about the upcoming changes in advance and ensured transparency in the beacon market. However, many motorists still learn about the new regulations only after purchasing the device.
As a result, thousands of Spaniards risk being left without essential road safety protection and losing their money. The issue of who will be held responsible for this widespread misinformation remains unresolved.
In case you didn’t know, Facua is one of the largest consumer rights protection associations in Spain. The organization is actively involved in issues of safety, market transparency, and the protection of citizens’ rights. Facua regularly initiates investigations and files complaints against unscrupulous companies, as well as provides legal support to affected consumers. Thanks to Facua’s efforts, many cases of consumer rights violations receive widespread public attention and often lead to legislative changes.
