The approval of Royal Decree 1030/2022, of December 20, marked a new milestone in the history of road safety. This law regulates the use of the V16 warning light connected to DGT 3.0, a pioneering system that provides connectivity to road accidents and breakdowns to improve visibility and prevent accidents. It also makes this V16 warning light mandatory for all vehicles starting in January 2026 , placing Spain at the forefront of road safety among our European neighbors. However, not all hazard lights will be suitable for this purpose, and connectivity is key to making this innovative roadside pre-signaling system work. So, how do we know which hazard light to buy?
1. V16 signal connected to DGT 3.0
When purchasing the V16 emergency light, the first thing we must do is ensure that it is not an analog beacon, but rather a V16 signal with geolocation so that, when activated in the event of an accident or breakdown, it connects anonymously and automatically to the Traffic Control Cloud.And why were the first beacons not connected V16 signals?
Hazard warning lights have a long history, ever since they first entered our lives to improve road safety. Like all other devices in our environment, they have evolved over time to take advantage of technology and improve their functionality, becoming a V16 signal with geolocation. You can read about their evolution to become a connected V16 signal at this link .
2. The importance of a V16 sign being approved by the DGT
Secondly, we must ensure that the V16 beacon is approved by the DGT (Directorate General of Traffic), that is, that it meets the criteria established by the official standard that defines them in the General Vehicle Regulations. Help Flash IoT is the first connected V16 beacon to obtain the manufacturer's approval certificate in Spain (LCOE 2022110790G1), which is now available for purchase.How do you know if a V16 sign with geolocation is approved?
An approved V16 beacon must display, in a visible location for the user and duly documented, if applicable, an approval code like the one you can see below. This link explains in detail where to look for approval codes to ensure that a connected V16 beacon is truly approved.
3. Signal V16 recommended by DGT
Another way to confirm that the V16 sign with geolocation you're purchasing will be valid from 2026 is to check that it's on the list of V16 signs recommended by the Directorate General of Traffic. The official list of connected V16 signs that meet the requirements established by the authorities, which includes Help Flash IoT, can be found at this link on the DGT website .
4. Help Flash IoT, the V16 signal with geolocation is red
Finally, the easiest way to ensure that the emergency light we purchase will be valid in 2026 is to have our connected V16 signal, Help Flash IoT. It can be purchased at this link , at the main points of sale nationwide, and is also included in vehicles from leading automotive brands as the benchmark safety feature. You can also purchase it, if you wish, through our website:
