The V-16 beacon, mandatory since January 1, continues to generate debate. This device, designed to replace traditional triangles in case of breakdown on interurban roads, must always be kept in the vehicle's glove compartment and displayed on the hood after an incident. However, Vox has submitted an amendment to the law promoted by the PSOE to soften its mandatory nature and allow the use of pre-signaling triangles again. The proposal also seeks to toughen sanctions for parking in spaces reserved for people with disabilities.
According to the amendment, which Europa Press has accessed, the V-16 beacon may be used as an "alternative" to triangles,without them losing validity, and connectivity with DGT detection systems or device geolocation will not be required. Triangles may continue to be used indefinitely. Vox argues that its objective is to"improve road safety with proven measures", highlighting technical and forensic studies that validate the effectiveness of triangles in adverse conditions and questioning the effectiveness of the mandatory beacon, which is only mandatory in Spain compared to other European countries.
Details about the V-16 beacon
From the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) they recall that the deviceis not personalized with the license plate and new vehicles do not come with it installed. The vehicle's location is the only thing the DGT receives, guaranteeing theprivacy of the occupants. Manufacturers can request data if the user activates their own applications, but it is not mandatory.
The V-16 beacon has aconnectivity service included in its sale price, at no additional cost to the user during its minimum lifespan of12 years, although it is important to check the expiration date printed on the packaging and the device. Entities such as theUnified Association of Civil Guards (AUGC) have criticized the mandatory nature of the beacon, defending its complementary use to triangles instead of replacing them. Vox's amendment aims to recognize this complementarity and reduce the burden of the new regulation on drivers, while maintaining the effectiveness of emergency signaling on Spanish roads.