Overview
- Spain’s traffic authority has certified 239 V16 models as of November 11, with hundreds of retail brands re‑labeling a small number of base devices produced by a few manufacturers.
- Legal V16 units must provide 360º light visible at about 1 km for at least 30 minutes and include GPS plus a non‑removable SIM with connectivity guaranteed for years and at least 18 months of standby power.
- When activated, certified beacons geolocate to the DGT 3.0 platform for traffic management and public information services, but they do not directly contact emergency responders or transmit personal data.
- Fines include €80 for not carrying a certified V16 when required, and media report severe penalties for misuse such as false emergency activations that mobilize services.
- The obligation covers most motor vehicles registered in Spain, motorcycle carriage is recommended but not mandatory, and foreign‑registered vehicles in Spain may continue using triangles.