Despite the requirement being introduced years prematurely, many customers are delaying buy till the final minute, whereas others stay utterly unaware of what the V16 beacon is and tips on how to use it. This lack of knowledge or procrastination has generated vital demand in latest weeks, even inflicting availability points at authorised factors of sale.
Authorities have additionally recognized fraudulent presents of non-approved beacons being bought for lower than 20 euros, which lack the required connectivity options and DGT endorsement. These substandard beacons will solely be legitimate till thirty first December 2025, making them non-compliant with rules coming into power subsequent 12 months.
Five years in the past, the DGT established that the transition from conventional triangles to related V16 beacons would turn into obligatory from 1st January 2026. These gadgets emit a luminous sign and robotically hook up with networks to alert different drivers and emergency providers about incidents on the street. They additionally improve street security by decreasing response instances and facilitating exact location in case of breakdown or accident. As the deadline approaches and confusion persists among the many inhabitants, the Traffic Department has reaffirmed that no extension to the implementation date is deliberate. The organisation insists that motorists have been given greater than adequate time to adapt and purchase the suitable beacon.
A transitional interval earlier than enforcement begins
Pere Navarro, Director of the DGT, has introduced a transitional interval throughout which fines will not be imposed instantly after 1st January 2026. Speaking on the eighth Meeting of Cities for Road Safety and Sustainable Mobility held in Badajoz a couple of days in the past, he defined that police authorities can have a margin to tell and lift consciousness earlier than starting to challenge penalties. This measure acknowledges social sensitivities and the logistical complexity concerned in implementing a novel system nationwide.
The anticipated effective for not carrying the obligatory V16 beacon will probably be 80 euros, however will solely be utilized after this academic interval ends. This strategy prioritises coaching and knowledge dissemination earlier than strict enforcement begins, giving drivers further time to adjust to the brand new rules that intention to modernise street security protocols all through Spain.
