Spain's traffic authority mandates automatic Guardia Civil response to V‑16 beacon activation

The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has issued an instruction that requires the Guardia Civil traffic units to attend immediately whenever a driver activates the V‑16 emergency beacon. The rule, confirmed by DGT director Pere Navarro, formalises a practice already in place, obligating the nearest patrol to signal the scene, protect the driver and facilitate vehicle removal, except when engaged in another emergency. The measure does not introduce new fines; existing penalties for missing or non‑connected beacons remain at €80 or €200, while the mandatory V‑16 replaces traditional emergency triangles as of 1 January 2026.

In parallel, the DGT reminds drivers that the V‑16 beacon does not replace the three compulsory vehicle documents – registration certificate, driving licence and ITV card. Failure to present these documents during a traffic stop can result in a fine of up to €500, even if the beacon is correctly installed. The agency advises motorists to verify their paperwork before each journey to avoid penalties.