What is a V16 beacon and why is it required?
of V16 beacon it is luminous signal device According to it, Spanish traffic regulationsmust be installed on the vehicle to visually warn other drivers in the event of a breakdown or accident. Additionally, the effective version is Connectivity via integrated SIM card and GPS location informationwill be integrated into the official DGT platform.
The obligation to carry authorized beacon Starts when connected January 1, 2026. After that date, models without connectivity will no longer be legal. The amount of the penalty can range from 80 euros to 200 euros.
Can I test V16 beacons without prior alerts?
When getting new V16 beaconit is logical to want Check for flashing lights and operation. However, I am concerned about whether it will be sent as soon as I activate it Tell DGT our location Therefore, an official alert is triggered.
According to the DGT and the descriptions collected: margin of action. While the beacon is initializing the system —Power, GPS, connectivity and status checks – do not send information to a central system.
100 second window
This margin is approximately 100 seconds. During this approximately 100 seconds, the beacon has been working but not yet started. Location broadcast To DGT. This results in Test your lights without registering Officially warned.
After 100 seconds, if the device detects: Location and connectionsend exact location It may be added to official platforms and displayed in traffic panels and navigation applications.
What should I take into account when taking the test?
- Be sure to test controlled and safe environmentwithout interfering with traffic.
- Set up a beacon roof or approved surfaceas stated in the manual.
- Using only the first few seconds, Check for flashing lights Or ignition.
- don’t expect more 100 seconds: Transmission will start after that time.
- Do not activate the beacon by simulating it. Actual breakdown in a hazardous location or without justifiable reason. That constitutes fraudulent use.
What will happen after 100 seconds?
After this short blocking period, the device begins transmitting. GPS and connection data To DGT. At that point, the signal will look like this: Actual vehicle alarm. Therefore, prolonged activation without a valid reason could be interpreted as fraud. Emergency Signal or may fail, resulting in disruption and intervention.
Essentially, they are 100 seconds These act as a “sandbox” for doing the following: Perform initial validation without issuing a notification. Once the beacon completes its internal checks, it behaves as follows: connected emergency system to the actual traffic situation.
Final recommendations for users
| for a moment | Recommended action |
|---|---|
| First 0-100 seconds | Check for flashing lightsignition and visibility. |
| After 100 seconds | Avoid activation without reason;Shipping is official. |
If you want to check that your beacon is valid, use installed correctly Verify that you are approved and have the following: Corresponding seal or reference Please follow the rules set by the DGT. Please keep it Installation manual and records.
If there is a safety margin, Test V16 beacon without alerting DGT: use initial window 100 seconds. Please act responsibly and only activate your device once. real emergency Once the trial period ends.