From January 1, 2026, drivers on Catalan roads will be required to signal any accident or breakdown exclusively with the connected V16 beacon. The use of traditional triangles will no longer be valid, and failure to comply may result in a financial penalty.
Mandatory V16 Beacon and Penalties
The General Traffic Regulations stipulate that the V16 beacon will be the only approved system for warning of road incidents from that date. The fine for not signaling correctly with the V16 emergency light will be 80 euros. The Catalan Traffic Service had proposed a moratorium to delay the mandatory implementation, but the General Directorate of Traffic dismissed this option.
"From January 1st, those who don't wear it can be fined 80 euros" - Ramón Lamiel, director of the Servei Català de Trànsit
The penalty for not using the V16 beacon is equivalent to the one imposed for driving without chains in snow or ice conditions, which can reach 200 euros. The objective is to reinforce road safety and reduce the risk of being run over in emergency situations.
Features and Operation of the Connected Beacon
The V16 device incorporates a geolocation system that, when activated, sends the vehicle's location to the DGT 3.0 platform. This data can be used on variable message signs to warn other drivers of the incident in real time.
The V16 beacon is designed to be visible and easy to place without needing to leave the vehicle, which minimizes exposure to traffic. The DGT reminds drivers that they should only exit the car if it is possible to guarantee safety, and always on the side opposite to the flow of traffic. If it is not safe to exit, the instruction is to remain inside the vehicle with the seatbelt fastened.
Victim Count and Authorities' Arguments
In Catalonia, according to the Catalan Traffic Service, no fatalities have been recorded for going out to place emergency triangles. However, across Spain, the DGT regrets 25 deaths in these types of situations
"There is no intention to fine. We are replacing the triangles with this device which provides safety. This luminous and connected V-16 will improve our safety" - Ana Blanco, Deputy Director of the DGT
The measure seeks to reduce the risk of pedestrians being hit on highways and expressways, especially in high-traffic sections in metropolitan areas such as Barcelona, Girona, or Tarragona.
International Application and Exceptions
Drivers traveling outside of Spain will be able to continue using the V16 beacon, as it is recognized by the Vienna Convention. On the other hand, foreign drivers traveling on Catalan roads are not obliged to carry the V16 and can signal accidents with the systems approved in their countries, such as warning triangles.
With the entry into force of this regulation, the exclusive use of triangles to signal accidents on roads throughout Catalonia will cease to be valid. The authorities insist on the importance of adapting to this change to avoid fines and improve road safety.