Overview
- Spanish TV outlet Antena 3 demonstrated that locations, travel direction, and breakdown duration from activated V-16 devices can be retrieved live via the DGT 3.0 platform, with cybersecurity expert Javier Sanz warning of criminal misuse.
- Since January 1, 2026, V-16 warning lights are mandatory on highways and expressways for vehicles registered in Spain, and rental cars in Spain must carry them, while foreign private cars remain exempt.
- The portable, roof‑mounted light is designed to be visible up to about one kilometer and, once switched on, transmits position updates roughly every 100 seconds to the traffic authority and emergency services.
- Spain’s data regulator AEPD says device identifiers are anonymous and not linked to users, but the open interface has renewed questions about privacy and increased the risk of tow‑scam targeting.
- Authorities advise drivers to stay calm, call breakdown services, verify tow operators, and avoid advance payments, while ADAC urges renters to confirm the device is on board and to learn how to use it at handover.