Just a few days ago, a listener of the program The world on RAC1 turned on the alarm lights during an interview with the deputy director of the DGTAna Blanco warned that the use of the new V-16 beacons could seriously affect the health of people with heart problems who use a pacemaker or defibrillator.

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.

Former Galician Civil Guard officers Jorge Torre and Jorge Juan Costas are the creators of the controversial V-16 emergency light, a safety system that will replace the current emergency triangles and will be mandatory from January 1st. Both men left the Civil Guard to pursue various business ventures, including the creation of an emergency light that mimics the lights of police or ambulance vehicles. The goal was for it to be stored in the car's glove compartment, eliminating the need to leave the vehicle in case of a breakdown and reducing the danger of having to walk along the shoulder of the road when emergency triangles are deployed.

In the midst of this era of rampant consumerism, a relatively surprising piece of news emerges: one fraud related to the mandatory consumption of the V-16 beacon that all cars will have to have them from January onwards if they don't want to receive a fine. Facua, a consumer rights organization, has accused the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) of promoting massive fraud by the laxity Regarding the approval of this mandatory lamp, many consumers have purchased a model that is theoretically approved but, in reality, is not, meaning they will have to incur additional expenses if they want to avoid the corresponding fine. In the event of an accident, not having a light approved by the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) will cost €200. And €80 if you are caught without one during a routine check. Regardless of what we think about this system invented by two former Civil Guard officers to supposedly prevent accidents when placing warning triangles—and which, for the moment, will only be used in Spain, as if other countries didn't have accidents caused by triangles—and about the possibility that the DGT-approved lights only serve to keep us in the dark. Whoever gets the money. Because, ultimately, poor management always ends up costing consumers extra. And if you have to file a complaint, add the extra time and patience.

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.