DGT Removes Five More V-16 Emergency Beacons From Spain's Approved Devices List

Another Five V-16 Devices Removed

Spain's General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has removed another five V-16 emergency beacons from its official list of approved devices — continuing a pattern that began in January, when four models were delisted in similar circumstances.

In all five cases, the reason for removal is the same: the devices are no longer being manufactured, resulting in the loss of their IDIADA homologation licences.

The Affected Models

Four of the five delisted devices share the same owner — Trafic Safety S.L., a company based in Sant Quirze del Vallès in Barcelona, which has now lost all of its approved device licences. The four affected models are:

• The Safety Light — sold under the ISSE brand
• The Safety Light 2 — sold under the ISSE Safety Light brand
• The Dunlop V16 — sold under the Dunlop brand
• The Swiss Drive V16 — sold under the Swiss Drive brand

The fifth device — the V16eurolight, sold under the ELTV16EUROLIGHT brand — has also been removed after losing its licence from the Applus+ IDIADA laboratory.

What If You Own One of These Devices?

There is no need to panic. If you already purchased one of the delisted models, you can continue to use it legally as a pre-signalling device for the full 12-year service period that was promised at the time of purchase. Delisting from the approved list does not make existing devices immediately illegal to use.

There are currently more than 300 V-16 device licences still in force, so if you are in the market for a new device, there is no shortage of approved alternatives to choose from.

Will the Connectivity Still Work?

This is the key practical concern with V-16 beacons — they need to be connected to the DGT's alert system to transmit an emergency signal when deployed. If the manufacturer stops operating entirely, who maintains that connection?

The DGT has given a clear answer. "What we do take care of is the connectivity that is guaranteed for 12 years. If the manufacturer's cloud disappeared, the DGT would act as a backup so that the device continues to function. The V16 guarantees that, in the event of a failure, we directly receive the signal, so that no signal goes unattended," explained Monserrat Estaca, head of the DGT's Telematics area.

In short: even if the manufacturer ceases operations, the DGT has committed to stepping in to maintain connectivity for the lifetime of the device.

Background: The V-16 Beacon System

Spain replaced the traditional roadside warning triangle with the V-16 connected emergency beacon, which is placed on the roof of a broken-down vehicle and automatically transmits the car's location to the DGT's systems. The change was designed to keep drivers safer by removing the need to stand on the road to place warning triangles behind the vehicle.

As the technology has matured, the DGT has been tightening its approval criteria, and devices from manufacturers who have ceased production are being progressively removed from the approved list. Drivers purchasing a new V-16 device should always verify it appears on the DGT's current approved devices list before buying.

This article is based on reporting from Spanish News Today, published April 1, 2026. Always check the DGT's official approved devices list for the most up-to-date information before purchasing a V-16 beacon. This article is for informational purposes only.