Overview
- From January 1, drivers must use a homologated, connected V16 to signal a breakdown or crash, with a standard €80 fine for non‑use and up to €200 and points for related breaches such as exiting without a reflective vest.
- The DGT says the beacon transmits only location data, not personal identifiers, and incidents will appear in navigation services via the DGT 3.0 platform.
- Updated instructions permit triangles if it is safe to place them, provided the V16 is also deployed, and police indicate an initial focus on guidance rather than aggressive checks for possession.
- Exemptions cover motorcycles and certain special or light vehicles; historic and rental fleets may rotate a single unit, and foreign‑plated vehicles may continue using their own warning systems.
- Early reactions highlight confusion over approved models, supply and privacy, with consumer warnings about non‑compliant devices and officials stressing the need to buy homologated, connected beacons.