Just 17% of road incidents in Spain use mandatory V16 warning beacons

Only a small 17% of roadside assistance incidents in Spain involve activation of the mandatory V16 warning beacon. That leaves 83% of incidents without proper signalling, raising concerns about driver awareness and enforcement of the rules. 

As reported in 20minutos, fresh data from Spanish tech firm Netun Solutions reveals a worrying trend in road safety compliance. Despite an enforced legal requirement introduced in January 2026, most roadside incidents are still not being signalled using connected V16 warning beacons.

Millions of road incidents, but limited use

Spain records nearly 11 million road incidents annually, according to insurance data. Around 40% of these require roadside assistance, equating to more than four million interventions each year or roughly 12,000 daily.

However, daily activations of connected V16 devices sit at only about 2,000, based on figures from the Interior Ministry. This gap between incidents and usage shows the scale of non-compliance. 

Mandatory technology still not fully adopted

To some people’s annoyance, government regulations made connected V16 beacons compulsory as a replacement for traditional warning triangles. Devices offer 360-degree visibility and reduce the need for drivers to step onto busy roads, designed to improve safety by allowing drivers to alert others without leaving their vehicle. Real-time geolocation also enables traffic authorities to warn nearby road users more effectively.

Industry experts argue that stronger awareness campaigns and clearer guidance are needed to boost adoption. Without wider use, the intended safety benefits may remain limited.

Call for greater awareness and understanding

Concerns now focus on whether drivers fully understand the new rules or have access to compliant devices. Calls are growing for targeted education campaigns and stricter monitoring around the V16 device. 

Road safety improvements need not only legislation but also real-world behaviour. Until more drivers start using it, Spain’s push for smarter roadside warning systems may not deliver the safety improvements many were expecting.