Emergency triangles were officially replaced by the V-16 beacon last December 31st, becoming the new mandatory system for signaling breakdowns and accidents. Although mandatory use began on January 1st, the DGT had already registered significant prior use: 425 drivers used them in November, a figure that rose to 1,500 on December 31st.
The latest official DGT data from January 2nd recorded 2,946 beacons activated that day. Based on current estimates of 3,000 daily activations, it is calculated that by this Saturday, 26,946 devices would already be in use on Spanish roads. This increase contrasts with the number of penalties: zero fines, as announced by the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska.
“"Both the Guardia Civil and the rest of the traffic police will be flexible and will prioritize information over sanctioning for a reasonable period of time, because our objective is not punitive or revenue-driven; what moves us is the obligation to save lives."
This grace period is a flexible practice, as there is no decree establishing its duration. Neither the DGT Director, Pere Navarro, nor Minister Marlaska have set a date for the end of the moratorium. Once it ends, the fine for failing to signal an accident with the V-16 will be 80 euros. The measure is justified by safety, given that around 25 people die annually in Spain when exiting their vehicles to signal an incident.
This measure is considered pioneering worldwide. Albert Puigdemont, spokesperson for the RACC, pointed out that although countries like the United Kingdom or the Netherlands have withdrawn triangles without an alternative, the Spanish beacon is currently the best available option.
