The V-16 hazard warning device in Spain is now the rule, not a nice-to-have. Since 1 January 2026 the DGT requires the connected V-16 light to signal a breakdown, and it replaces the old triangles. I keep a baliza V-16 in my car because the DGT reminder in late 2025 focused on safety and on how many people are hurt when they step into live traffic to place triangles. I want my emergency warning light Spain setup to be legal, visible, and fast under the Spain road safety rules 2026.
Why the V-16 hazard warning device in Spain matters in 2026
The DGT press note from November 2025 repeats the core change: from 1 January 2026 the connected V-16 is the only legal way to warn about a stopped vehicle, and it is a triangle replacement Spain policy. The DGT highlights that around 25 people die each year after getting out of their car on the road, often while placing triangles, which is exactly the risk the V-16 is designed to remove. I keep that in mind when I drive long distances, especially on motorways and busy city ring roads. I keep the DGT press note bookmarked for reference.
The DGT also maintains an official list of certified V16 devices, and the main V-16 information page states that only the connected model is valid from 2026. When I shop, I check the DGT list of certified V16 devices to avoid non-certified or non-connected models that look similar. I also keep the official DGT PDF list handy.
How the DGT V16 connected beacon works (and why triangles are out)
A DGT V16 connected beacon is a compact, 360-degree warning light that sits on the roof, usually with a magnet base. It flashes to make my car visible, and it also sends my geolocation to the DGT 3.0 platform, which then forwards the alert to navigators, mobility apps, and in-car systems. This connected warning light creates physical visibility and digital visibility at the same time, which is why triangles are no longer the primary tool. I rely on the DGT 3.0 update about how the alerts are distributed.
The DGT notes that the data is anonymized, no app is needed, and the SIM is integrated. There is also a minimum connectivity period (12 years) built into the purchase price, so I do not have to pay a monthly plan. That detail makes the V-16 hazard warning device feel more like a long-lived safety tool than a subscription gadget. I still check the expiry date on the device and keep fresh batteries so I know it will work during a vehicle breakdown Spain scenario.
Who needs a baliza V-16 and how I choose certified V16 devices
If a vehicle is registered in Spain, the connected V-16 is mandatory for breakdown signaling. When I use a rental car, I ask the rental company if the device is in the glove box and confirm it is the connected version, not the older light. If I import a vehicle, I double-check local requirements early in the process; this guide helped me align paperwork and equipment: How to import your vehicle to Spain.
There is one important cross-border detail from the DGT instruction on international circulation: foreign-plated vehicles driving in Spain can keep using triangles, while Spain-plated vehicles driving abroad can use the V-16. That makes it worth checking the rules for any country I plan to visit. The instruction is here: DGT instruction on V-16 use in international circulation.
When I buy, I stick to certified V16 devices from the DGT list, look for the exact model number, and confirm that the packaging mentions connectivity to DGT 3.0. I avoid cheap listings that say only “luz de emergencia” without a clear certificate. The V-16 hazard warning device is only useful if it is connected and legal.
My breakdown routine with the emergency warning light Spain
If I have to stop on the road, I keep my routine simple. I switch on hazard lights, place the V-16 on the roof as soon as it is safe, and avoid walking to the rear of the car. The goal is to keep myself out of fast-moving traffic. I call 112 or my roadside assistance service and stay inside the vehicle if the location is dangerous. The DGT 3.0 alert does its job in the background, so I do not need to open an app to share my position.
- connected V-16 warning light with fresh batteries
- reflective vest within reach of the driver seat
- phone charger and emergency contact numbers
The biggest benefit of the V-16 system is speed and visibility. The main downside is that I have to remember to replace batteries and confirm the certification is still valid. That tradeoff feels acceptable, and it is clearly aligned with what the DGT expects for 2026 and beyond.
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