Regulation
Complete guide to the connected V-16 emergency beacon
What the connected V-16 beacon is, how DGT 3.0 works, when to activate it, where to place it and when warning triangles become obsolete. Everything you need for the theory test.
The connected V-16 beacon is the new emergency standard
As of 1 October 2026, the connected V-16 emergency beacon (DGT 3.0) is the official roadside signalling device in Spain. You no longer need warning triangles — and soon, only the connected V-16 will be permitted.
What is the connected V-16 beacon?
The connected V-16 signal is an approved yellow flashing light placed on the roof of the vehicle (level with the windscreen, either centred or on one side) whenever a vehicle is immobilised due to a breakdown or incident. Unlike traditional triangles, it incorporates an integrated eSIM and GPS tracking: once activated, it anonymously transmits its geographic coordinates directly to the national DGT 3.0 connected vehicle platform.
Why the DGT replaced reflective triangles
- Warning triangles required drivers to exit the vehicle and walk along the carriageway, exposing them to dangerous secondary collisions.
- The connected V-16 beacon is placed directly from inside the cabin, without stepping out onto live traffic lanes.
- Instant geolocation enables emergency responders and traffic control to identify the exact incident location, even if passengers are unable to place a phone call.
- Anonymous broadcasts to DGT 3.0 notify oncoming connected vehicles and variable message panels in real time.
When to activate it
- Whenever your vehicle is immobilised on the road or hard shoulder due to a breakdown, puncture, or accident.
- When you are unable to proceed and your vehicle occupies any part of the carriageway.
- You do not need to wait: the beacon must be switched on immediately from inside the vehicle cabin.
Where to place it
On the exterior roof of the vehicle, level with the windscreen, in the centre or on either side where it is firmly anchored (usually via magnetic base) and visible 360 degrees from at least 1 kilometre away.
Never exit your vehicle on high-speed motorways to place roadside signals if doing so puts you at risk. Prioritise safety and place the V-16 through the vehicle window.
Warning triangles vs V-16: official transition timeline
- From 1 October 2026 to 31 December 2026, both reflective triangles and approved connected V-16 beacons remain legally valid.
- Starting 1 January 2027, only certified connected V-16 beacons will be legally compliant; reflective triangles will no longer meet legal requirements.
- During the transition window, deploying an approved connected V-16 beacon fully satisfies emergency signalling requirements.
What is tested on your DGT exam
The DGT theory exam includes specific questions on the connected V-16 beacon: placement rules, mandatory activation scenarios, DGT 3.0 connectivity, and the transition cutoff dates. These items are officially tested from October 2026 onwards.