V16 Beacons

These beacons were introduced in July 2021 which is not a very short time. The use of triangles on motorways was stopped as there were several injuries and deaths resulting people putting triangles out although they can still be used on off motorways,

They can be purchased in many places including Carrefour, AlCampo, Amazon.es and most DIY places (the one by Consum in Quesada has them). Make sure they are the V16 approved ones. 

Here's the information from DGT

All cars must have them from Jan 1st 2026 and the information etc has been in all the local papers and other media for almost 5 years.

It's unfortunate that there are two V16 standards - one with and one without geolocation, and it is the latter that will be mandatory from January 1st.

So if you buy from Amazon or Ali Express etc, don't be misled into buying the cheapest as that won't be legal.

I bought several some weeks ago from Aldi, for myself and friends.

If you're serious about keeping up to date with driving matters, DGT publish a periodic magazine. In addition to that, I'm registered with DGT and they email me any intermediate updates.

https://revista.dgt.es/es/hemeroteca/

There was a discussion on this topic in September.

https://www.costablancaforum.com/jump-to-post/?id=855942

It's been widely talked about in many circles, including forums like this, for a very long time so there is little excuse for not knowing about it. 

I doubt you'll find many Spanish drivers just finding out about it now!

I bought a beacon a few years ago which isn’t geolocation. I’ve now got to buy another one with geolocation.

I’m sure when they first started going on about them they didn’t mention geolocation, just had to have a beacon and geolocation requirement  was added later.

I bought a beacon a couple of weeks ago from Ferris in Villena.

As has been said there are two types, with and without geolocation. You may find both types next to each other in the shop, so how can you tell t'other from which?

Basically the price.  With geolocation it will be from €30-40,  without €5-10. They look the same.               SIMPLES

They are not rechargeable and come with a PP9 battery fitted.

There’s two and a half months to go before these are mandatory. Surely that’s more than enough time to walk into a shop and buy one? As other posters have said, this has been well publicised and known about for nearly five years!!

I'd agree with you that it was not well known, despite what others say, I  asked the same question as you just a few weeks back. Maybe it's because I am not full time in Spain that I've missed all the reported publicity.

 That said there is plenty of time to buy one and they are readily available. Personally I doubt they are of much value, but that's just my opinion. 

 I cannot remember ever having to use my red triangle and the vast majority of V16 beacons will sit in the boot gathering dust. so probably a good idea to test them every 6 months or so to make sure they still operate.

Rgds,

Aitch.

I agree that it might be a good idea to test your beacon every now and again but the more you test it the more likely you are to get a flat battery.

The fitted battery is an alkaline PP9 and should have a 'shelf life' of several years. If that is a concern, just change it every couple of years.

Obviously by testing it you are sending your location to whoever picks the signal up effectively creating a false alarm.

There are several things I don't know:-

1) Who picks the signal up?  

2) What do they do with it?

3)Does someone get sent to your position?

4) If so, who?  

5) Is there a specified response time?

Having tested mine I found the flasher to be incredibly bright and it should be visible from a long way off. 

It is now in the glove box, hopefully to remain there unmolested.