Four months after its mandatory implementation, the V16 beacon continues to generate uncertainty. The main manufacturers of the device have issued a joint warning in which they alert of failures in the information conveyed to drivers.
According to their complaints, the lack of clarity and contradictory messages are making it difficult for users to correctly understand how they should act in case of breakdown or accident.
The figure that worries: half of the cars without a beacon
One of the most relevant data points that the sector handles is that approximately half of the Spanish vehicle fleet could be circulating without a V16 beacon.
This would imply that millions of drivers would be breaking the rules without being fully aware, which increases road risk and legal uncertainty.
What is failing: disinformation and doubts
Manufacturers point out several key problems in the implementation:
- Lack of clear information about its use
- Confusion about which models are valid
- Contradictory public messages
- Lack of knowledge on how to act in emergencies
This situation, they assure, is directly affecting road safety.
Doubts about fines and obligation
Another of the critical points is the sanctioning regime. Many drivers are not clear about when it is mandatory to carry the beacon nor what sanctions they may receive if they do not use it correctly.
Public statements on this aspect have contributed to increasing confusion.
Manufacturers' requests to the DGT
Faced with this scenario, the sector demands:
- Clear and continuous informational campaigns
- Greater regulatory clarity
- Unified messages for drivers
They also ask to avoid the regulation of the V16 beacon becoming an element of political confrontation.
A key device for road safety
The V16 beacon replaces emergency triangles and allows signaling an incident without leaving the vehicle, in addition to sending the location to traffic systems.
However, its effectiveness depends largely on drivers being well aware of how it works and its mandatory nature.