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Spain’s DGT Says V-16 Fines Apply Now Despite Interior’s Call for Flexibility

Conflicting guidance fuels scrutiny of a safety‑first policy.

Overview

  • V-16 beacons became compulsory on January 1, and DGT director Pere Navarro says drivers who stop for a breakdown and do not deploy the device can be cited immediately.
  • Interior minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska urges a “flexible” initial approach that prioritizes informing drivers over sanctioning for a reasonable period, without specifying when that will end.
  • Failure to carry a compliant beacon or using a non‑homologated model carries an €80 fine, and several certifications were withdrawn just before the deadline mainly over lapsed manufacturer licenses.
  • The Partido Popular has formally requested technical, legal and economic reports from the DGT to substantiate the measure’s efficacy and implementation.
  • DGT plans include real‑time incident alerts via the DGT 3.0 platform and a mandatory emergency corridor on highways, while some Guardia Civil representatives question device visibility and data handling.