Spain's DGT launches connected traffic cones and tightens V16 beacon rules

The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has approved the use of "connected cones" on Spanish roads. These smart cones are equipped with GPS, a SIM‑card data link and communication modules that automatically send real‑time incident information to the DGT 3.0 platform, road panels and connected vehicles. They can also report displacement, battery level or signal loss, allowing traffic control centres to monitor and adjust signage remotely and improve safety for road‑work crews.

The deployment follows earlier reforms that, from 1 January 2026, replace traditional emergency triangles with the V16 connected beacon. A new real decree, aligning Spanish traffic law with EU Directive 2023/2661, obliges all passenger cars and light vehicles to carry a homologated V16 beacon and imposes a €200 fine for non‑compliance. The decree also creates national traffic data access points to facilitate electronic sharing of incident information among authorities, operators and infrastructure managers. Together, the connected cones and the reinforced V16 beacon requirements form part of DGT’s broader strategy to digitalise traffic management and enhance road safety.