Overview
- Spain’s connected V-16 emergency light has been mandatory since January 1 to signal immobilised vehicles without drivers exiting.
- Active beacon locations feed DGT 3.0 and driver navigators, and independent sites display them in real time; a mechanic demonstrated they can be found in seconds.
- The DGT and Interior say they have no reports of robberies or illegal tow scams tied to the system, though Guardia Civil sources allege organized groups are exploiting the data.
- Authorities advise confirming that any tow is the one requested by your insurer and not paying cash; beacons transmit no personal data and cardiologists see minimal pacemaker risk.
- Despite Interior’s talk of a “reasonable” adaptation period, DGT director Pere Navarro says nonuse can already be denounced with an €80 fine, with no date set for the end of this transitional approach.