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Spain Defends Mandatory V-16 Beacons With 100,000+ Uses and No Random Checks Ordered

The interior minister frames a safety-first rollout with activation-only data sharing, with ITV stations instructed to advise drivers rather than inspect devices.

Overview

  • V-16 beacons have been compulsory since January 1, and the DGT logged more than 100,000 activations by mid‑February, averaging about 2,300 per day.
  • Enforcement will forgo random Guardia Civil checks, with fines applied only when an immobilized vehicle is not properly signalled using the device.
  • The minister said a surge in penalties is not expected, noting that only 400 of five million traffic fines in 2025 were for failing to place triangles.
  • Officials stress privacy and compliance: devices transmit a vehicle’s location only upon activation to DGT 3.0 and undergo testing by accredited laboratories.
  • Opposition parties question transparency and legality, as the European Commission confirms Spain did not notify Brussels of the technical regulation, potentially triggering procedural action.