Facua accuses the DGT of promoting massive fraud with the new V-16 beacons

The introduction of the new V-16 traffic lights on January 1, 2026 has generated great unease and concern among Spanish buyers, the first in the world who will have to use this new signaling and location system on an experimental basis.

Facua's criticism focuses on the DGT's (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) excessive laxity regarding the approval and certification of the new V-16 beacons. The reason is that the consumer association has found many models on sale with an approved approval seal that do not meet the location and connectivity requirements with the DGT's computer system, which it describes as "a massive fraud against consumers" by the manufacturing companies, in contrast to the "passivity" of the DGT. Rubén Sánchez, Secretary General of Facua - Consumers in Action, urges consumers who have purchased a supposedly approved device that does not meet the location and SIM card connectivity regulations to file a complaint to request a refund, especially if the manufacturer advertised the beacon. The Secretary General of FACUA - Consumers in Action asserts that the DGT's (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) attitude in this matter has been one of "extreme passivity" and that "it has done nothing to stop this fraud against consumers, prioritizing the interests of manufacturers over those of consumers."

Fines of 80 euros for not using an approved and connected beacon

The approved V-16 lamp emits light visible from one kilometer away and in 360 degrees, and has a retail price of around 40 euros. However, as Facua warns, you must be very careful when purchasing it, as it's easy to be misled and buy a cheaper one that isn't properly approved. To determine if this system is approved, buyers need to check for the approval number certified by an accredited laboratory (LCOE or IDADA), or for an official label or conformity seal, and make sure that SIM card connectivity is explicitly mentioned. This is a crucial point, as there are several cheaper emergency light options on the market labeled V-16, without any mention of connectivity, and which are not approved. The penalty for having an accident and not having the approved lighting system is 200 euros, and if an officer of the authority detects the absence of that device in a routine check, the fine will be 80 euros.