You may have read about the latest changes introduced in the Roadside Assistance Royal Decree. And you may have new questions about what you should use now in the event of an accident or breakdown on public roads, whether you need to retrieve the triangles you've already sent to the roadside collection center, or whether your V16 Help Flash sign is sufficient.
Today we're shedding light on the new regulations to make things crystal clear, but we'll give you the answer you're most worried about: yes, your V16 light now legally replaces the triangles , so you can now use it in the event of any roadside incident.
New DGT regulations: When does the mandatory emergency beacon come into effect?
Let's go step by step and review the mandatory use of road signs chronologically to understand where we are. Until July 1, 2021, all cars were required to have emergency triangles to display in the event of a breakdown or accident. The additional use of approved V16 hazard lights was not mandatory, although it was recommended to increase the visibility of the stopped vehicle.
As of that date, with the approval of the Roadside Assistance Royal Decree , V16 lights became legal substitutes for triangles , allowing drivers to choose between using one or the other. However, the definitive date for the mandatory implementation of a V16 emergency light with geolocation in our cars will be January 2026 .
This is when traditional triangles and non-geolocating V16 lights will have to be said goodbye for good. Until then, non-connected beacons remain useful and can be used for years to come.
The V16 emergency light: a plus for your safety
Using the V16 hazard warning lights is simple, fast, and automatic, allowing you to be identified in just 8 seconds without having to get out of your vehicle. How do I use them? Very easy: the device attaches to the metal sheet using a magnet and emits an intense yellow beam of light that can be seen from a long distance and at a 360-degree angle. Due to their ease of use and because they provide more visible and safer signaling, the V16 warning lights have become a must-have purchase for all driving enthusiasts and those seeking to maximize safety in their vehicle.
Where can you get yours and take another step towards road safety?
Many platforms already trust Help Flash, and you can find your device in our online store and also in Vodafone, Amazon , Norauto, El Corte Inglés , Correos Market, Alcampo, Eroski or Bauhaus stores, among others.
What are connected V16 lights and what differentiates them from non-connected ones?
The V16 connected beacons were created with the aim of making roads safer and saving lives. To achieve this, they have the same specifications as the current ones, but with the added benefit of being able to connect vehicles, roads, and machinery through an autonomous connectivity system that allows the geolocation of the injured person to be sent to the General Directorate of Traffic.
This not only prevents drivers from having to abandon their vehicle, but also reduces waiting times and alerts other drivers of the incident via illuminated panels, navigation systems, and vehicle dashboards (V27 signals). On December 10, 2021, the Directorate General of Traffic published in the Official State Gazette the resolution defining the protocol and format for sending data from the V16 signal to the National Access Point.
Production began in 2022. Since then, connected V16 lights will coexist until January 2026 (at which point they will become mandatory) with non-connected V16 lights and warning triangles, and their use will depend solely on the driver's choice. The V16 Help Flash IoT Connected by Vodafone light , manufactured by Netun , a company dedicated to technology for road safety, is now available from authorized retailers and Vodafone stores.
Frequently asked questions about the mandatory V16 beacon
Since when has the V16 emergency light become mandatory?
Starting in January 2026, V16 IoT-connected devices will become mandatory. Until then, both V16 hazard warning triangles and non-connected hazard warning lights are valid.
Why will the V16 light be mandatory?
Connected V16 hazard warning lights are a step forward in making roads safer: on the one hand, they prevent drivers from having to leave their vehicle, and on the other, they connect vehicles, roads, and machinery to the DGT 3.0 network, reducing waiting times and alerting other drivers.
Where can I buy them and what is the price of these devices?
You can purchase your Help Flash emergency light from any of our distributors or through our website: Help Flash IoT for €54.95.
