A major controversy has erupted in Spain over the decision of the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) to ban the use of emergency triangles and replace them with a mandatory V16 light beacon, effective from January 1, 2026. The DGT defends the measure as a way to prevent deaths. According to the agency's data, an average of 22 people have died each year in the last five years after getting out of their vehicle. However, drivers and even the Unified Association of the Civil Guard warn that the new device has serious visibility flaws. The DGT justifies the ban on triangles by claiming they lead to more pedestrian collisions. While the DGT asserts that the V16 beacon 'can be seen up to a thousand meters away in optimal conditions,' the agency itself acknowledges that 'our roads have curves, changes in gradient, adverse weather conditions (...) that will make this distance shorter.' Criticism is focused on this point. The V16 light 'loses its effectiveness on sunny days, on changes in gradient, and on curves.' The Unified Association of the Civil Guard has sounded the alarm: if 'there have been collisions with patrol cars that had all signaling lights on at night, how is it not going to happen with a small yellow beacon?' Adding to the controversy is the cost of the mandatory device, which drivers will have to pay between 40 and 50 euros. Ironically, while triangles will be prohibited for Spaniards in Spain, drivers are advised to keep them in their vehicles, as they remain mandatory in neighboring countries.
