Overview
- From January 1, only homologated, connected V-16 beacons will be authorized to signal immobilized vehicles in Spain, replacing reflective triangles for Spanish-registered cars.
- Sanctions typically range from €80 for not carrying the device to €200 for failing to signal properly, with no license points lost in ordinary cases.
- Legal analyses highlight potential criminal charges and insurer recovery claims if the absence or misuse of the beacon is deemed to have contributed to injuries or deaths.
- The devices send a vehicle’s location to the DGT 3.0 platform via an integrated SIM or eSIM for roughly 10–12 years, enabling real-time warnings on road panels and navigation systems without exiting the car.
- Retailers report surging demand and prices around €30–€40 as DGT publishes certified model lists and reiterates there will be no deadline extensions, while foreign drivers traveling in Spain may continue using triangles.