Confirmed by the DGT: this is the gadget you must carry in your car starting in 2026.

In case there was any doubt, the DGT (Directorate General of Traffic) has clarified the situation once again. Although some associations have questioned their safety, there's no going back. Starting January 1, 2026, V16 beacons connected to the DGT 3.0 will be the only means of pre-warning in the event of an accident or when our car is stopped due to a breakdown. So there will be no alternative but to buy one before the end of 2025, as there will be no moratorium.

This year will be the last year in which the three current warning systems will coexist : the classic emergency triangles, the unconnected V16 light, and the connected V16 . Starting January 1st, the unconnected V16 light will no longer be valid , nor will the triangles. Meanwhile, reflective vests will remain mandatory. The DGT has emphasized on several occasions that the objective of the V16 is to achieve greater safety for occupants, as no one will have to leave the vehicle to place it. This is something that did occur with emergency triangles , which increased the risk of accidents.

On the DGT website, you can find a list of all V16 lights approved to date . This list continues to grow and already includes around 130 models approved for use. The most important thing is that it can be connected to the DGT 3.0 platform , which will receive an updated signal every 100 seconds with data about our vehicle and its position. This data will be used to inform other road users and traffic officers of our location, in addition to appearing on information panels.

One of the biggest concerns about its effectiveness is visibility in specific situations, such as winding roads or changes in gradient. "The beam will make you visible from 1 km away," the DGT assures in a statement. This should be enough to alert other road users in advance, whether on a highway or a mountain road.

On the other hand, the Traffic Department has also certified that approved devices will have a " minimum connectivity of 12 years , the cost of which is already included in the retail price of the V16, so you won't have to pay any additional fees." However, you should check its expiration date by looking at the date printed on both the packaging and the V16 itself. And nothing else will be necessary, not even a mobile app, as the connected V16 will be completely autonomous. Are you ready to install it in your vehicle now?