Introduction: Farewell to the Triangle and the Arrival of Connected V16 Beacons

Starting in January 2026, the landscape of our roads will undergo a significant transformation regarding emergency signalling. After decades of loyal service, the familiar emergency triangle will say goodbye to make way for a new technological era: Connected V16 Beacons. This change is not merely an equipment upgrade; it represents a qualitative leap in road safety, harnessing the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) to protect drivers and passengers more efficiently and safely. Connected V16 Beacons are luminous devices designed to instantly and automatically warn of a stopped vehicle or any obstacle on the road, communicating its exact position to other users via the DGT 3.0 platform.

This evolution is a reflection of how IoT technology is increasingly permeating various aspects of our daily lives, including transportation safety. The implementation of Connected V16 Beacons is a clear example of how connectivity and real-time data can be vital tools for preventing accidents and managing emergencies more effectively. In this article, we will explore in detail what Connected V16 Beacons entail, why they are becoming mandatory, their advantages over traditional methods, and how they integrate into the intelligent road safety ecosystem.

Why the Change? The Risks of the Emergency Triangle

For many years, the emergency triangle has been the universal symbol of a broken-down vehicle on the road. Its use required the driver to exit the vehicle, often in conditions of reduced visibility, fast-moving traffic, or adverse weather, to place the triangles at the regulatory distance. This seemingly simple action carries considerable risk. Standing on the shoulder or roadway, especially on motorways and dual carriageways with vehicles travelling at high speeds, exposes the driver to extreme danger, potentially being hit by other vehicles that do not perceive the emergency situation or the person’s presence in time.

In addition to the personal risk to the driver, triangles have limitations in terms of their visibility, especially on curves, changes in gradient, or in conditions of low light, fog, or heavy rain. Their effectiveness largely depends on the visual attention of other drivers and they do not provide a proactive, early warning at a distance. The arrival of Connected V16 Beacons aims to mitigate these risks and deficiencies, offering a safer and technologically advanced alternative. The shift to Connected V16 Beacons is not just a matter of modernization, but a crucial measure to safeguard the physical integrity of drivers in moments of vulnerability on the road.

What is a Connected V16 Beacon? Technology at the Service of Road Safety

A **Connected V16 Beacon** is a luminous emergency signalling device that incorporates connectivity technology to transmit its location. Unlike non-connected V16 emergency lights (which already exist and are an intermediate step), the connected versions, which will be mandatory from 2026, integrate a communication module that, once activated, sends a signal to the DGT 3.0 platform indicating the exact position of the vehicle using it.

Classic Beacon without IoT

One of the approved devices that exemplifies this technology is the LEDguardian ROAD FLARE Signal V16 IoT, developed by ams OSRAM. This beacon has an integrated SIM card, allowing it to communicate directly with the DGT 3.0 platform without requiring additional driver intervention beyond activation. The beacon emits a high-intensity flashing light visible from a long distance, complying with the homologation standards established by the DGT. The combination of luminous signalling and geolocation makes it a much more powerful tool than traditional triangles for warning of a roadside emergency. The ability of Connected V16 Beacons to transmit real-time location data is the fundamental pillar that differentiates them and enhances their effectiveness.

DGT 3.0: The Platform That Saves Lives in Real Time

DGT 3.0

The effectiveness of Connected V16 Beacons lies in their integration with the DGT 3.0 platform. This platform is the brain of the connected road safety system in Spain. When a **Connected V16 Beacon** is activated, it automatically and anonymously transmits the vehicle’s position to the servers of the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT). This is also perfectly replicable in your facilities with our IoT platform: Gear Studio.

DGT 3.0 processes this information and redistributes it in real time to other road users through various channels. Compatible GPS navigators in nearby vehicles can receive this alert and display an early warning to the driver, indicating the presence of a hazard on the route. Furthermore, the information can be shown on variable message signs located on the roads. This early warning system is crucial for reducing the risk of secondary collisions, which often occur when drivers are not aware of an incident on the road in time. The DGT 3.0 platform acts as a central hub for traffic and emergency information, allowing for fluid and efficient communication between vehicles and road infrastructure. This interconnection highlights the importance of technological platforms and real-time data management in the field of IoT applied to safety.

Key Advantages of Connected V16 Beacons Over Triangles

Classic Road Safety Signalling Triangle

The advantages of Connected V16 Beacons over emergency triangles are numerous and significant, primarily focusing on increased safety and effectiveness. The main advantage, and the most important from a personal safety perspective, is that the driver does not need to exit the vehicle to signal the emergency. In situations of breakdown or accident, especially on high-speed roads or in poor visibility, remaining inside the vehicle drastically reduces the risk of being hit.

Another fundamental advantage is the immediacy of the warning. Upon activation, the beacon emits a powerful light signal and, simultaneously, communicates the incident to DGT 3.0, allowing other drivers to be alerted within seconds through their navigation systems. This provides a much greater reaction time than simply seeing a triangle on the asphalt, which may be detected late or even go unnoticed. The visibility of the light emitted by Connected V16 Beacons is superior to that of triangles, being effective even in rain, fog, or complete darkness. Furthermore, the precise geolocation information allows emergency services to know exactly where the incident is located, speeding up their response. The ability of Connected V16 Beacons to integrate into a connected traffic information system makes them a much more proactive and reliable tool for managing roadside emergencies.

Technical and Functional Aspects: Designed for Emergency

Connected V16 Beacons are designed with ease of use and reliability in stressful situations in mind. Technical aspects such as their magnetic fastening system allow for quick and secure placement on the vehicle’s roof, without complications or the need for tools. This feature is vital in an emergency situation, where every second counts and simplicity of operation is essential.

Powering the device with a standard 9V battery, as in the case of the ams OSRAM model mentioned, ensures that the device is operational even if the vehicle has electrical problems. The inclusion of a battery status indicator is an important detail that allows the user to check the beacon’s proper functioning before needing it. The user interface is reduced to a simple on/off switch, making it easy to activate even in the dark or under pressure. From the perspective of energy efficiency and durability, these devices are optimized to guarantee a long standby battery life and efficient consumption during operation. Their compact design facilitates storage in any vehicle compartment, ensuring it is always at hand in case of need. These technical characteristics make Connected V16 Beacons practical and reliable devices for critical situations.

Spain, Pioneer in Connected Road Safety: An Innovative Legal Framework

Spain’s decision to legislate the mandatory use of Connected V16 Beacons from 2026 positions the country as a pioneer in implementing IoT-based road safety solutions. This bold step driven by IoT technology reflects a future vision where safety on our roads is strengthened through connectivity and intelligent information management. While other countries may be exploring these technologies, Spain has taken a firm step towards their widespread adoption, setting an important precedent at European and even global levels.

This legal framework not only promotes the adoption of advanced technologies but also encourages innovation in the road safety and IoT sectors. The mandatory nature creates a market for these devices, incentivizing manufacturers to develop increasingly efficient and reliable solutions. The vision behind this regulation is clear: to leverage the power of connectivity to create a safer driving environment for everyone, reducing the number of accidents and their consequences. As Carlos Garrido, Key Account Manager at AM Aftermarket Iberia, stated, “These new warning lights offer undeniable added value compared to the warning triangle, so we are convinced that Spain’s example will also set a precedent in other countries.”

The Connected V16 Beacon as Part of the IoT Ecosystem in Transport

The mandatory introduction of Connected V16 Beacons is not an isolated event, but rather part of a global trend towards digitalization and connectivity in the transportation sector. The Internet of Things is playing an increasingly important role in creating intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and connected cities. Connected V16 Beacons are another component of this evolving ecosystem, where vehicles, infrastructure, and users are interconnected to improve efficiency, sustainability, and, fundamentally, safety.

This type of device aligns with key IoT trends that we see emerging in 2025 and beyond, such as the growing importance of Edge AI for real-time data processing and the need for interoperability between different systems and devices. Although a **Connected V16 Beacon** itself may seem like a simple device, its true value lies in its ability to integrate into a broader network of traffic information. This allows not only for alerting of an emergency but also contributes to a more complete and accurate picture of road conditions, which facilitates decision-making by traffic managers and improves overall traffic flow. The adoption of Connected V16 Beacons is a step forward in building a smarter and safer future for mobility, where IoT technology plays a central role.

Conclusion: A Safer Future on Our Roads Thanks to Connected V16 Beacons

The imminent change from emergency triangles to Connected V16 Beacons starting in January 2026 represents a significant milestone in road safety in Spain. This transition, driven by IoT technology, addresses the limitations and risks associated with traditional signalling methods, offering a safer, more efficient, and proactive solution for managing roadside emergencies. The ability of Connected V16 Beacons to transmit real-time location information through the DGT 3.0 platform creates an early warning system that can prevent secondary accidents and save lives.

Beyond their individual benefits, the mandatory adoption of Connected V16 Beacons highlights the increasing integration of IoT into critical infrastructure and public services. Spain is positioning itself at the forefront in this area, demonstrating how regulation and technological innovation can work hand in hand to improve citizen safety. As we move towards a more connected future, devices like Connected V16 Beacons will become essential elements of an intelligent transportation ecosystem, where information flows freely to optimize mobility and protect all road users. This change is an important step towards an era where technology not only makes our lives more convenient but also keeps us safer on our daily journeys. Want to know more about IoT? Visit our page where we discuss what MQTT is and its challenges.

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