The countdown has begun: on January 1, 2026, millions of vehicles will be required to carry a V16 hazard warning light . In this post, we explain which vehicles must have one , which are exempt, the date the requirement comes into effect, and why Help Flash continues to make a difference as pioneers in road safety .
What is a V16 emergency light?
The V16 emergency light (or V‑16 beacon) is a flashing yellow light device used to signal a vehicle that has been immobilized due to a breakdown or accident. It must be mounted as high as possible on the vehicle to ensure 360° visibility and be visible from at least 1 km away.
Since July 1, 2021, the V16 has been legally used as a substitute for the emergency triangle. However , as of January 1, 2026 , only V16 beacons connected to the DGT 3.0 platform (i.e., those that automatically transmit their geolocation) will be valid for signaling road incidents.
When does the V16 obligation come into force?
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Currently (until December 31, 2025), the use of both triangles and V16 beacons (analog or connected) is permitted .
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But from January 1, 2026 , it will be mandatory for vehicles to signal any stop with a V16 connected , permanently replacing triangles.
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This requirement includes the beacon being connected to DGT 3.0, sending activation and geolocation data.
Vehicles that must have V16 emergency lights
According to the DGT, all vehicles required to signal a road incident must have a V16 beacon connected :
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Private cars
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Vans and light vehicles
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Trucks and transport vehicles
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Company vehicles, fleets or rentals
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Professional mobility vehicles
The regulation applies to any interurban or urban road where a breakdown, accident, or emergency stop must be reported. The requirement applies not only to highways and motorways, but also to any circumstance where the vehicle is immobilized on the roadway or shoulder.
Which vehicles should not carry the v16 beacon?
Not all vehicles are included under this obligation. The following are exempt:
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Motorcycles and mopeds
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Agricultural or construction vehicles
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Historic vehicles (only if they are exempt from carrying signs)
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Very specific cases justified by specific regulations
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Vehicles that are no longer in circulation or have already been deregistered.
The DGT emphasizes that the connected beacon is mandatory for vehicles that previously required triangles on public roads.
For international traffic, the regulations of the country where the vehicle is registered always apply. This means that if your car is registered in Spain and you have a connected and approved V16, you can legally travel to other countries without having to display triangles . You can consult this official instruction here:
🔗 DGT – Instruction on the international use of lights V16
Help Flash, a benchmark in road safety with its approved V16 beacon
Help Flash was not only the first V16 beacon , but we were also the first to launch a V16 connected with IoT technology and official certification by the DGT.
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Our devices are approved and meet the technical requirements of the DGT.
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Connected models (Help Flash IoT and Help Flash IoT+) incorporate NB‑IoT technology to send the location to the DGT 3.0 system automatically when activated.
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Its use allows you to signal an incident without getting out of the vehicle, which reduces the risk of being run over by using manual signaling.
With our new model, the most powerful emergency light on the market , Help Flash IoT+, we offer you:
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✅ Anonymous connectivity with DGT 3.0
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✅ High intensity light: +250 candelas , visible up to 1 km
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✅ Domestically manufactured with quality materials and IDIADA certification
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✅ Data plan included for 12 years (mandatory requirement by law)
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✅ Free roadside assistance with the myIncidence app
If you don't yet have a certified and connected V16 compatible with the upcoming regulations, it's advisable to get ahead of the game and purchase a certified beacon .
Don't wait until 2026 to comply with the law. Get your Help Flash IoT+ now in our official store and make sure you have the beacon that best protects you —approved, connected, and ready for any emergency.
