When we talk about emergency lights or hazard lights in a car, we've always thought of the famous warning lights , the four flashing lights activated simultaneously. But now, with the emergence of the V16 hazard light, we're going to hear a lot of reference to this new device when people wonder where to buy an emergency light for their car, motorcycle, van, truck, etc.
The General Traffic Department continues its quest to minimize road accidents and incidents when a car is stopped on the road. The v16 emergency warning light is intended to warn other drivers of the presence of a stopped car on the road, thereby improving road safety and reducing the potential risk of accidents.
We'll tell you where you can buy the emergency lights, which will be mandatory for everyone starting in 2026, according to DGT regulations.
Why is it important to carry a V16 emergency light?
It's well known that the use of hazard lights is a resource we should always activate when we stop our vehicle on the road, regardless of the reason (we're not referring to parking, of course 🙂). Preventing accidents and informing other road users of the vehicle's location is the main reason behind using hazard lights. Both the warning lights and the v16 beacon.
Generally, it's because we're facing an abnormal and potentially dangerous situation with our car, motorcycle, van, truck, or bus. Therefore, we must alert other drivers about the situation and position of our vehicle.
Emergency lights will make you more visible and will inform other road users and the DGT (Directorate General of Traffic) of your dangerous situation on the road. When used correctly, they reduce the risks associated with unexpected vehicle stops on the road, as visually informing other drivers decreases the likelihood of a collision.
Legal obligations according to the DGT
Spanish law requires all vehicles to have an emergency warning system that complies with the regulations established by the DGT. The famous warning triangles are required, but they are only mandatory on roads other than highways or motorways. Starting July 2023, the DGT exempts drivers from exiting their vehicles on these roads to deposit them. This is very dangerous.
Types of emergency lights available
V16 light with geolocation (mandatory in 2026)
The only one approved by the DGT and which will be mandatory, as you know, for all vehicles starting in January 2026 is the approved v16 beacon with geolocation.
If you're not familiar with it yet, the V16 warning light is a warning device that has become mandatory in many countries, now also in Spain. This light offers exceptional visibility , allowing other drivers to identify the position of the disabled vehicle from up to 1 km away.
Our v16 beacon in Help Flash includes the best features on the market with its design :
- Easy push button ignition.
- It incorporates a geolocation system that, when activated, sends the vehicle's location to the DGT 3.0 cloud.
- Lightweight, cordless, compact and easy to store in the vehicle.
- Vodafone's IoT connection provides maximum coverage so you can communicate wherever you are.
- Resistant to all types of weather conditions.
Comparison with the emergency triangle
Unlike the emergency triangle, which requires a minimum distance from the vehicle, the V16 warning light activates wherever the vehicle is located. Simply stick your arm out the window, place it in a visible location (usually on the roof), and press the activation button. This is perfect for reducing the risk to occupants, who no longer have to leave the vehicle and be exposed to the road.
Unconnected beacons: are they still valid?
Unconnected V16 beacons will remain valid for motorcycles, bicycles, PMVs, and historic vehicles even after 2026. However, regulations require them to be connected for passenger cars, vans, trucks, and other conventionally registered vehicles from January 1, 2026.
Buying emergency lighting: Things to consider
Although we are pioneers at Help Flash by having and offering the market the first truly approved v16 beacon with geolocation , there are other models on the national market, similar, but with different connotations and also other precise ones.
When purchasing emergency lights, since, as we've been saying, they're the only signaling option we have on highways and motorways today, important factors need to be considered.
Such as visibility and lighting type. Our light reaches a range of up to 1 km in low-light conditions and in 360° . Others currently on the market don't reach that distance. If it can't be seen from at least that distance, we shouldn't choose to purchase that emergency light.
Visible distance and white light
Lights that emit white light , combined with flashing lights, are more effective, especially in low-visibility situations. They allow other drivers to quickly identify a stopped vehicle.
LED lighting vs. other technologies
LED lights are recommended due to their high efficiency and longevity. They also provide superior brightness. When purchasing an emergency light, make sure it uses the latest LED technology, like the Help Flash beacon, so it can be seen in all directions.
Power supply system
How the beacon is charged or powered is another point to inspect. Do we need a charger or a power supply? In these cases, it's a challenge. There are several options on the market with rechargeable batteries, which include USB ports that make charging them easily with different devices, but they present the problem: if they're not charged and we don't have a charging device...
It's preferable to opt for V16 lights that use conventional batteries , which offer a minimum runtime of 2.5 hours when the beacon is activated. And always keep spare batteries in your car.
Strength and durability
Buy an emergency light suitable for any weather environment. Not all are designed to withstand the wide variety of environmental conditions that may be encountered.
They must function perfectly and without problems in contact with water and other inclement weather . This means they must meet waterproof standards like our Help Flash beacon's IP54 rating, which guarantees they can be used even in rain or snow.
Magnetic base
First and foremost, ease of use and setup . In this regard, look for a V16 emergency light with a magnetic base so you can attach it to your vehicle instantly and effortlessly.
Value for money
When purchasing a v16 emergency light for your car, motorcycle, van, pickup truck, or bus, evaluate the price in relation to the features offered . None , as we say, can match the performance of the Help Flash v16 beacon . This comes with comprehensive and ongoing after-sales service.
The price differences can be significant between brands, but the key lies, as we've said, in performance. First, it must be approved, which not all current V16 lights from other brands are. Then, there are basic models with very low prices (€20-€30) but which are very unreliable (they don't connect with the DGT (Directorate General of Traffic), minimal battery life, poor adhesion, etc.). Keep in mind that when purchasing V16 emergency lights, the most advanced and best-referenced models range between €50 and €80.
Supplier confidence
To purchase a V16 emergency light, you need to trust the supplier . We offer several road safety brands with V16 beacons, but we don't all have the same experience and reputation, nor are the devices equally cutting-edge and reliable.
Emergency lights can be purchased from suppliers' online stores and some repair shops as well. They can also be purchased from the major digital marketplaces we're all familiar with.
Tips for use and maintenance
We've already covered some of these tips throughout this article, such as proper placement in a prominent location. But there's more.
Regular status check
We must regularly check the status of the v16 emergency light to ensure it's working properly when needed. For example, test its operation at least once a month. Check both the battery charge and its activation.
Clean the light housing. Make sure there's no dirt that could obstruct the light. Check that it adheres well to the vehicle's body. And, of course, make sure the batteries are charged, that you have extra batteries on hand in the vehicle, or that you can charge them using USB ports in the vehicle.
Avoid common failures and ensure full functionality
Also, store the light in an accessible location inside the vehicle , avoiding areas where it could be damaged or lost in the event of an accident. Never leave the emergency beacon exposed to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can affect the battery and electronic components.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Lights
We may have already answered some of these questions, but at Help Flash, we consider them to be among the most common questions we receive when purchasing the v16 emergency light.
Is the V16 light mandatory on all vehicles?
Not yet. It will be mandatory starting in January 2026. It is the device recommended by the DGT (Directorate General of Traffic) in cases where a vehicle is stopped on any road. This includes cars, vans, and motorcycles, and is the modern alternative to the emergency triangle.
How to choose between the different v16 models?
When purchasing an emergency light, consider several factors such as certification, connectivity, activation type, visibility, battery life, and durability.
It's very important to consider connecting your mobile app to the DGT (Directorate-General for Traffic) and emergency services, to facilitate and streamline its use by drivers and enable them to request immediate assistance from the appropriate services, as enabled by the Help Flash v16 geolocated beacon.
What to do if the emergency light stops working?
If an emergency light stops working, we should first check if the batteries are discharged and replace them with spares we have in the vehicle. If we notice that it's not working while not in an emergency situation, conduct tests until we identify the problem (refer to the manufacturer's manual).
If you find yourself in a difficult situation and the V16 light isn't working, always keep the hazard lights on and try to contact the emergency services and the DGT (Directorate General of Traffic) by phone. Don't leave the vehicle unless it's completely safe to do so.
Conclusions
It is expected that many users will be willing to purchase a v16 emergency light in the coming months , taking into account that it will be mandatory for all vehicles from January 2016. At Help Flash, we have tried to guide you through the process of choosing your beacon to familiarize you with it as soon as possible and not make a mistake when purchasing.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding a device like the v16 light, please leave us a comment and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
