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Spain Mandates Connected V-16 Emergency Beacons Starting January 1, 2026

The new lights pair 360-degree visibility with automatic geolocation to cut roadside risks.

Overview

  • With about six weeks left, retailers report sharp sales increases and falling prices, with some connected models available for under €30.
  • Only connected, homologated units will be valid, sending a stopped vehicle’s location to DGT 3.0 via an embedded SIM designed to work for roughly 10–12 years without a subscription.
  • Drivers face administrative fines typically ranging from €80 for not carrying the device to €200 for failing to signal a breakdown, without points on the license.
  • Insurers can pursue reimbursement if lack of proper signaling is deemed negligent, and serious crashes linked to absent signaling can bring criminal charges and potential prison terms.
  • Officials have ruled out extensions to the rollout, Spain will be the first in Europe to require connected beacons, and the DGT has published the list of approved models for purchase.