Warning Triangles and the Replacement V16 Beacon
From January 1, 2026, warning triangles will no longer be allowed for signalling immobilised vehicles on the road.
The V16 beacon will be the only legally accepted device.
The V16 is an accident pre-signaling device that replaces the classic triangles to indicate that the vehicle has been immobilised on the road.
The device was developed to advance road safety and reduce accidents. It replaces traditional hazard warning triangles. It is a small, yellow beacon equipped with connectivity. It is capable of emitting a high-intensity 360-degree light intermittently and continuously for at least 30 minutes. The device incorporates a battery with a minimum lifespan of 18 months, regardless of whether it is rechargeable.
You should carry it in your vehicle’s glove compartment. In the event of a breakdown or accident, you can activate it in a matter of seconds. Preferably, place it on the roof of the vehicle. At that moment, in addition to emitting the warning light, it will connect to the DGT 3.0 platform using the mobile phone system and will transmit its location in real-time to alert other road users of the potential hazard.
What to do in an emergency:
To clear up the confusion about how and when to use the new beacon, the DGT published a helpful infographic ↗ on its official X (formerly Twitter) account. It outlines four different situations drivers might face and how to handle each one safely.
1- If you can keep driving: Turn on your hazard lights and exit the road as soon as possible using the right-hand shoulder until you reach a safe exit.
2- If your car breaks down: Pull over onto the shoulder, keep your hazard lights on, activate the V16 beacon, and place it on the roof or highest visible part of your vehicle.
3- If it’s unsafe to get out: Stay inside your car with your seatbelt fastened until conditions improve. Only exit if you can reach a secure area without stepping onto the road.
4- If you need help: Remember that the V16 is not an automatic distress signal. You’ll still need to call for assistance using your mobile phone or your car’s built-in eCall system if it has one.
The DGT also reminds drivers to keep the V16 within reach at all times, ideally in the glove compartment, so it’s easy to grab and use when needed.
See the DGT website ↗ for more information.
