Overview

• The regulation makes V-16 IoT beacons compulsory from January 1, 2026, replacing traditional roadside triangles across Spain.
• Technical criteria require yellow auto-colored beacons with 40–80 effective candelas at 0° and at least 25 candelas at ±8°, 360° horizontal coverage, ±8° vertical visibility and a flash rate of 0.8–2 Hz.
• Units must operate between −10 °C and 50 °C, withstand 180 Pa of air pressure, meet IP54 water and dust protection standards and run on a battery or cell that guarantees at least 18 months of autonomy.
• All devices must report activation, deactivation and geolocation to the DGT 3.0 platform, with communications costs included in the retail price and service guaranteed for 12 years.
• Some civil guard associations and drivers question daytime visibility on curved roads, and manufacturers exceeding 200 candelas raise glare and safety concerns.