This Thursday, Comissão of Petições of The device connected to the DGT 3.0 system replaces emergency triangles since January 1, 2026 and is only valid for vehicles with Spanish registration. Comissão Europeia has already confirmed that the Spanish government did not notify Bruxelas about the royal decrees that imposed the measure, as required by Diretiva 2015/1535. Eurodeputados will assess whether the standard respects the principles of equal treatment and free movement in the internal market of União Europeia.
The petitions admitted to processing ask for the review or prohibition of the use of the equipment. Condutores with cars registered in other countries of União Europeia circulate without obligation.
- The first petition highlights the unique economic burden on Spanish citizens.
- The others question the discrimination between vehicles from different Estados-members.
- All allege possible violation of European Tratados.
The examination takes place just days after Comissão Europeia’s official response to a parliamentary question.
Analysis of petitions regarding the V-16 beacon at Comissão of Petições
MEPs from Comissão and Petições receive four complaints from citizens contesting the Spanish measure. Eles will study the compatibility of the obligation with Community law.
The instance may request additional explanations from Comissão Europeia. The process allows Parlamento Europeu to follow the case closely.
Technical characteristics of the V-16 light beacon
The V-16 beacon consists of a small yellow device that emits light in 360 degrees with high intensity. Ele operates intermittently and continuously for at least 30 minutes when activated manually by the driver.
The equipment includes GPS and SIM card to send the exact location to the DGT 3.0 platform in case of emergency. Connectivity remains active for 12 years at no additional cost to the user.
Activation takes place inside the vehicle, which avoids the need for the driver to go out onto the road.
Compulsory entry into force in January 2026
The Spanish government made the connected V-16 beacon mandatory for all vehicles registered in the country from January 1, 2026. Traditional emergency triangles have lost their validity as a means of signaling.
The Dirección General of Tráfico only approves models with connectivity to the DGT 3.0 system. Balizas without this function previously sold as approved are no longer legal.
Drivers who do not carry the correct device may face fines during inspections. The measure aims to reduce secondary accidents on expressways.
Royal decree 159/2021 and royal decree 1030/2022 support all technical regulations.
Confirmation of lack of notification by Comissão Europeia
Comissão Europeia formally responded to a question from MEP Dolors Montserrat, from Partido Popular Europeu. Executive Vice President Stéphane Séjourné confirmed that the two Spanish decrees were not communicated in accordance with Diretiva 2015/1535.
This directive obliges Estados-members to notify draft technical regulations that may affect the internal market. The lack of notification creates legal problems and can trigger infringement proceedings.
The Spanish government took sole responsibility for the decision to make the equipment mandatory for national license plates only.
The parliamentary response paved the way for the more in-depth examination that takes place this Thursday.
Examination of compatibility with the law of União Europeia
Comissão of Petições of The petitioners argue that the measure creates discrimination between drivers based on vehicle registration and harms the proper functioning of the internal market. Veículos foreigners traveling on Espanha do not need to carry the device, while Spaniards are subject to mandatory purchase and maintenance. The analysis also considers the economic impact on citizens who had to purchase the equipment after the rule came into force in January. Eurodeputados from different political groups participate in the debate to ensure that any national regulation fully aligns with community rules on the free movement of goods and non-discrimination. The body may recommend additional actions if it identifies incompatibilities, including requesting a more detailed legal opinion from Comissão Europeia. Todo the process follows standard procedures for citizen petitions alleging violations of rights under União Europeia.
Parliamentary question formulated by MEP Dolors Montserrat
Dolors Montserrat, vice-president of Grupo of The response came directly from Comissão Europeia and clarified the lack of prior communication.
Role of the device in signaling emergencies in vehicles
The V-16 beacon was designed to improve visibility in breakdown or accident situations. The driver activates the device without having to leave the vehicle.
Automatic geolocation helps traffic authorities quickly locate the location of the incident. The DGT 3.0 system receives data anonymously and sends alerts to other road users.
The DGT argues that the device reduces the risk of being run over by drivers who install traditional triangles.
