Overview
- From January 1, 2026 only DGT‑certified connected V16 devices are allowed for breakdown signaling in Spain, while triangles and non‑connected beacons become invalid, with an exemption for foreign‑registered vehicles in international circulation.
- Legal devices must emit a warning light visible at 1 km and include GPS plus a non‑removable SIM to send location to the DGT 3.0 platform, with connectivity prepaid for multiple years commonly stated as at least 12.
- The DGT has confirmed a 100‑second initialization window after switch‑on that allows buyers to test the light without transmitting location or triggering traffic‑center alerts.
- Certification has reached 239 approvals spanning more than 184 commercial brands, yet manufacturing is concentrated in 29 producers, with three companies supplying over 60% of the models.
- Penalties include €80 for lacking a compliant, working beacon and sanctions up to €30,000 for misuse or false alerts, while retailers are pushing discounted, homologated units with long‑term prepaid data.