€200 fine: the most controversial rule that DGT will keep even after changes on October 1

27/09/2026 10:00

Updated to

27/09/2026 10:00

Media España is worried about the changes the DGT will introduce on October 1st next year to the General Traffic Regulations. There are many and varied changes, with some fearing even a minor mistake could result in a fine.

These changes on October 1st will affect not only car drivers but also cyclists, motorcyclists, and scooter users. Worse still, the DGT will not use these changes to revise its most controversial current rule, which took effect on January 1st last year and can result in fines of up to 200 euros.

The most controversial DGT rule remains: the requirement for V16

Although the changes that will take effect on October 1st were approved by the Council of Ministers on June 23rd last year, DGT did not make them public until September 24th. Along with these changes, DGT will also introduce, on a trial basis, a controversial measure that will end the 120 km/h speed limit on motorways and expressways.

But it isn’t this that has angered thousands of drivers. Social media already shows the outrage among many over the most controversial rule that DGT will maintain: we are, of course, referring to the requirement to install a V16 beacon on one’s car in case of an accident.

This controversial rule came into effect on January 1st last year, and because it required the mandatory purchase of an accessory costing around 40 € or more—where to buy yours if you haven’t already—it caused anger among thousands of drivers.

But that’s not all—this controversial measure adopted by the DGT, which could result in fines of up to 200 euros, received a lukewarm response from the Civil Guard Traffic Unit. It was even vehemently rejected by consumer associations, which spoke of “irregularities” and “deception” in its implementation. Moreover, some regional councils did not hesitate to request extensions for the introduction of this rule.

This measure sparked so much controversy that both Pere Navarro, the head of DGT, and Ana Blanco, the deputy director of Traffic, had to provide extensive explanations regarding the fine that could be imposed for violating the rule by using unconnected V16 markers—a fine of 80 euros—or about their compatibility with emergency triangles.

Fine of up to 200 euros for this controversial measure: when and how you might face it

The non-compliance of Spanish drivers with V16 markers has led to many posts on social media and even some articles in digital media in recent days, warning that DGT might revoke this controversial measure.

But… that won’t be the case. According to Europa Press, Netsun Solutions, one of the main manufacturers of these beacons, has issued a press release stating that this controversial measure will remain unchanged despite the DGT’s changes taking effect on October 1.

This announcement also reminds us of the amount of fines related to the most controversial GPS tracker in Spain’s history. Failing to use one or using an old V16 tracker that isn’t connected to the DGT will result in a fine of 80 euros; failing to use this device to indicate the location of our vehicle in case of an accident or breakdown will incur a heavier fine of 200 euros.

And be careful, as placing it improperly—it must be located in the highest part of our vehicle—or failing to activate its geolocation when the vehicle is stationary will also result in a 200 euro fine.