Overview
- From January 1, only V16 beacons that are certified and connected to the DGT 3.0 platform will be legally valid, with models approved by IDIADA or LCOE and identifiable by a lab mark and test report number.
- FACUA filed complaints with the consumer ministry against Amazon, AliExpress and Leroy Merlin for listing non‑connected units as homologated without clearly stating they will not be valid in 2026, and it seeks sanctions and refunds for misled buyers.
- The OCU advises buyers to verify the “connected to DGT 3.0” label, check the casing’s approval code, and confirm the model on the DGT’s certified list; outlets report fines of up to €200 for not carrying a required device and €80 for using a non‑approved model.
- Traffic officers and emergency professionals warn that V16 lights can be hard to see on curves, crests or in strong daylight, recommending drivers keep triangles as a backup when placing them is safe, while DGT’s Pere Navarro reiterates that V16 is the only obligation.
- A voluntary V27 “virtual triangle” will begin operating alongside V16, sending early dashboard alerts to connected vehicles via DGT 3.0 to mitigate line‑of‑sight limitations.