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Was the DGT right? 2,000 drivers are already using it, and Pere Navarro insists: "It works."

Enrique Espinós
Was the DGT right? 2,000 drivers are already using it, and Pere Navarro insists: "It works."

05/11/2026 13:30

Updated to

05/11/2026 15:36

The most controversial measure introduced by DGT in recent times sparked widespread media coverage at the end of last year, with Pere Navarro defending its implementation, and even DGT’s deputy director, Ana Blanco, having to explain in detail the penalties for non-compliance.

We are, of course, referring to the controversial V-16 device, which has been criticized by consumer associations as well as by the Guardia Civil itself. But now, 10 months after it came into effect and while Pere Navarro insists it “does work,” data on its usage has become available, showing that 2,000 drivers use it every day.

Was DGT right to implement this controversial measure?

In remarks to Radio 5, Pere Navarro insists on defending the controversial V-16 beacon, praising its Spanish origin — “This is a Spanish invention. We should all be proud, but we’re criticized” — and claiming it “has only advantages.”

Drivers, however, have criticized the poor visibility of this controversial device, although Pere Navarro insists it does work… though not with much emphasis: “The light either illuminates a lot or little, but before there was nothing at all, it didn’t illuminate anything, while this one does illuminate and is visible.”

V-16 beacon: 2,000 drivers already use it daily. Pere Navarro insists it works; DGT’s most controversial measure (1)

2,000 drivers already use it

Although the DGT director believes it works while drivers disagree, what is clear is that the controversial V-16 beacon is already in use—something normal since failing to activate it in case of an accident or stop on the side of the road results in a 200 euro fine.

Pere Navarro 2,000 drivers already use it daily; Pere Navarro insists it works, supporting the DGT’s most controversial measure (2)

Netun Solutions, one of the manufacturers of this controversial V-16 beacon, has made public the connection data for this device in Spain. Specifically, these beacons recorded a total of 62,227 activations last October, meaning more than 2,000 drivers—exactly 2,007—use them daily.

This controversial traffic beacon is used far more on Fridays, with an average of 2,425 activations, compared to Sundays, when there is only an average of 1,477 activations. It is also used more frequently in certain autonomous communities: Andalusia, Catalonia, and Madrid have the highest numbers of activations.

Traffic Beacon V 16: 2,000 Drivers Already Use It Daily; Pere Navarro Insists It Works, Justifies DGT’s Controversial Measure (2)

The fact that nearly 2,000 drivers use it daily is a reality that has been recurring in our country. For example, if we refer to last September, the total number of activations was only 3.5% lower than those recorded in October.

Netun Solutions emphasizes that the connectivity of this V-16 beacon allows going “beyond emergency signaling” by generating information that can help better understand how, when, and where road safety risks occur.

However, its use — mandatory under threat of fines — by drivers does not necessarily mean the DGT is correct, despite Pere Navarro’s insistence that it does work.