Overview
- From 1 January 2026 only DGT‑certified connected V16 beacons will be valid in Spain, with triangles and non‑connected models excluded except for foreign‑registered vehicles in international circulation.
- The DGT lists 239 certificates covering more than 184 brands, though manufacturing is concentrated in a limited set of producers with three firms supplying most base models.
- Legal devices must emit a warning light visible at 1 km, include GPS and a non‑removable SIM with at least 12 years of connectivity, and meet a minimum standby autonomy of about 18 months.
- Operational rules confirm a 100‑second initialization that transmits no location data so owners can test the light, and activations report to DGT 3.0 rather than directly to emergency services.
- Drivers face an €80 fine for lacking a compliant beacon, and misuse or false 112 activations can draw sanctions up to €30,000, as retailers push homologated units with discounted offers and prepaid‑SIM claims.