Brussels is scrutinizing a new Spanish regulation mandating emergency beacons in all vehicles, raising the possibility of a legal challenge and casting doubt on a policy already met with criticism from within Spain. The European Commission has questioned whether Spain properly notified it before implementing the rule, which requires drivers to purchase a V-16 emergency light – costing around €50 – to replace traditional warning triangles.
The Spanish Directorate-General of Traffic (DGT) introduced the V-16 beacons at the start of , citing improved road safety as the primary justification. The devices, intended to be placed on the vehicle roof in the event of a breakdown, are designed to avoid the need for drivers to exit their vehicles and risk oncoming traffic. Connected versions of the beacon also transmit the vehicle’s location to traffic authorities via the DGT 3.0 platform.
However, the European Commission’s concern isn’t with the safety benefits of the beacons themselves, but with the process Spain followed in making them compulsory. Under EU law, member states are required to notify Brussels of any draft technical regulations that could affect the single market, allowing the Commission to assess potential barriers to trade or competition. According to European Commission Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné, the “Spanish Royal Decrees have not been notified according to the procedure of Directive (EU) 2015/1535.”
This lack of notification could have significant legal consequences, potentially invalidating fines or other sanctions related to the V-16 requirement. The Commission is currently studying the compatibility of the Spanish rules with EU law, a process that could lead to a review or even the removal of the mandate.
The controversy comes as Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska is scheduled to appear before the Spanish Congress on to address the implementation of the V-16 beacon. Marlaska has previously defended the device, stating that approximately 25 people die annually in Spain as a result of accidents while placing warning triangles.
The rollout of the V-16 has been plagued by issues beyond the EU scrutiny. Spanish consumer watchdog Facua has criticized the government for failing to adequately inform drivers about which beacons are officially recognized by the DGT, leading many to purchase non-compliant devices online. The DGT has stated that V16 beacons will be available for purchase starting in May 2025, allowing drivers ample time to comply with the new regulations.
Concerns about the beacons’ effectiveness have also been raised by Spain’s Civil Guard police. They argue that the devices are not useful on winding roads, as oncoming drivers may not receive adequate warning, and that they are often insufficiently visible during daylight hours.
Adding to the debate, reports in the Spanish press indicate that the inventors of the V-16 beacon originally intended it for use by individuals with disabilities, not as a compulsory device for all drivers.
Spain is currently the only EU country to have made such a device mandatory. If Brussels determines that the Spanish regulations violate EU law, the government could be forced to amend the rules, impacting both drivers who have already purchased the beacons and manufacturers who have adjusted their production lines. The situation highlights a growing tension between national road safety measures and EU market regulations, potentially shaping future regulations across the bloc.
The V-16 beacon operates as a small, yellow or orange LED light equipped with geolocation connectivity. When activated, it transmits the vehicle’s location to the DGT 3.0 platform every 100 seconds until deactivated, allowing traffic authorities to quickly identify and respond to breakdowns or accidents. The requirement for geolocation and connectivity is a key point of contention with the European Commission, which believes it could violate the principle of free movement of goods within the EU.
