The connected V-16 beacon: DGT's new emergency rule

The connected V-16 beacon is a homologated yellow luminous beacon placed on the roof of the vehicle (at windscreen height, centre or either side) when the vehicle is stopped due to an incident. Unlike the triangle, it has an integrated eSIM and geolocation: when activated it anonymously notifies its position to the DGT 3.0 platform.

• Triangles force you out of the car and onto the road, exposing you to a second impact.
• The connected V-16 is placed from inside the cabin, without leaving the vehicle on traffic lanes.
• Geolocation lets emergency services know where the incident is, even if the driver cannot call.
• The anonymous alert to DGT 3.0 helps manage real-time traffic information.

• The vehicle is stopped on the road due to an incident, breakdown or accident.
• It cannot continue and the vehicle is partially or fully blocking the carriageway.
• You do not need to wait for another car to pass: the V-16 is activated from inside the cabin.

On the roof of the vehicle, at windscreen height, centre or either side. It must be firm and visible. Do not place it before stopping the vehicle and making it safe; if you need to exit on a high-risk road, prioritise your safety and use the V-16 only when it is safe to do so.

• From October 1 2026 to December 31 2026 reflective triangles and the homologated connected V-16 coexist.
• From January 1 2027 only the homologated connected V-16 is valid; reflective triangles no longer fulfil the obligation.
• While they coexist, the connected V-16 already fulfils the emergency signalling obligation.

The DGT theory exam already includes questions on the connected V-16 beacon: when to activate it, where to place it, what the DGT 3.0 platform does and when triangles stop being valid. These questions are new since October 1 2026.emergency signalling, DGT

• Does the V-16 completely replace triangles?

  Not entirely until December 31 2026. From October 1 2026 reflective triangles and the homologated connected V-16 coexist; from January 1 2027 only the homologated connected V-16 is valid and reflective triangles no longer fulfil the obligation.

• What is DGT 3.0?

  DGT 3.0 is the connectivity and data platform of the Dirección General de Tráfico. The connected V-16 anonymously notifies its position to DGT 3.0 when activated, enabling real-time traffic and emergency management.

• Where must I place the connected V-16?

  On the roof of the vehicle, at windscreen height, centre or either side, firm and visible. Activate it from inside the cabin once the vehicle is stopped.

• When do reflective triangles stop being valid?

  Reflective triangles stop fulfilling the emergency signalling obligation on January 1 2027. From October 1 2026 to December 31 2026 triangles and the homologated connected V-16 coexist.

• Does the V-16 enter the DGT theory exam?

  Yes. The DGT theory exam already includes questions on the connected V-16 beacon since October 1 2026: activation, placement, DGT 3.0 and the phased withdrawal of triangles.

• Which V-16 brand is valid?

  Only DGT-homologated connected V-16 beacons are valid. They must have the integrated eSIM and geolocation required; generic beacons without homologation do not comply with the rule.