Spain's DGT denies rumors regarding V-16 beacon mandate

Pere Navarro, the Director General of Traffic (DGT), has dismissed rumors claiming that the V-16 emergency beacon will cease to be mandatory on October 1. Labeling the claims as ‘fake news’ and ‘lies,’ Navarro confirmed that the requirement, which took effect on January 1, remains fully in force.

The V-16 beacon is used to signal breakdowns or emergencies on roads. Failure to carry an approved device results in an 80-euro fine, while failing to use an appropriate device to signal a vehicle stopped on the roadway carries a 200-euro penalty.

Navarro highlighted the effectiveness of the technology, noting that there were approximately 170,000 activations during the summer. He defended the device as a consolidated and successful Spanish innovation in the European market.