The DGT withdraws the homologation of four V-16 beacons and generates more doubts among drivers

The mandatory implementation of the V-16 lighting system is shaping up to be one of the biggest blunders by the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) and the Ministry of the Interior in recent years. After accumulatingcriticism from consumer associationsIn addition to concerns from emergency personnel and other groups about the new mandatory lighting system in case of accident or breakdown, there is now a new announcement from the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) that it is withdrawing official approval from four models of connected V-16 beacons that until recently appeared on all official lists.

This modification, which has been carried out through an update of the register of certified approved systems, represents a new headache for establishments and drivers who, even now, are not clear about which model they should buy or if the beacon they have purchased can be used without fear of being fined.

The four models that have lost their DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) approval are three variants of the V16IoT beacon manufactured by the Chinese company Yuyao Jiming Electronic and marketed in Spain under the brand names Don Feliz, Ikrea, and The Boutique for your Car. The fourth beacon to lose its approval is the Spanish Call SOS XL-HZ-001-VC, distributed by Ditraimon, a company based in Martos, Jaén.

A decision that involves drivers more

Although the four models had successfully passed the DGT's homologation and connectivity tests, the change in direction and their new status have generated considerable doubt and uncertainty among Spanish buyers, who are particularly sensitive to regulatory changes. The DGT has also failed to provide any technical explanation justifying the exclusion of these four beacons and indicates that drivers who purchased them during the homologation period can continue to use them for their remaining useful life, without specifying an approximate expiration date.

Sources close to the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) point out that the DGT certification process includes light output tests and a data connectivity commitment of at least twelve years. Any modification to the communication protocols or network of the suppliers can lead to the loss of official approval, as appears to have happened in this case.

The DGT's decision, made just days before the new regulations mandating the use of the V-16 connected lighting system came into effect, has generated even more uncertainty among drivers. This precedent could lead to the discontinuation of previously purchased beacons, simply because the manufacturer is closing down or can no longer guarantee communication with the network connected to the DGT's app. This will force drivers to pay again to use a properly certified beacon.