Since its entry into force, V16 beacons have been the subject of numerous controversies due to its luminosity and functionality compared to the previous triangle system. However, Pere Navarro, director of the DGT, has confirmed that these beacons will continue to be mandatory and that They will have to be changed from time to time due to its expiration. If not, drivers They are exposed to fines of between 80 and 200 euros.
Given the questions about the possible expiration of the V-16 beacon, the general director of Traffic, Pere Navarroresponded to the doubts during a press conference held this past Tuesday. First of all, the director assured that they did not expire. However, he had to correct himself and remember that They expire “at 11 years”which is when the SIM inside runs out.” So all those who have purchased the device to follow the DGT regulations must renlarge it in just over a decade.
The expiration of V16 beacons is due to the useful life of your SIM card
The so-called expiration of these devicese due to the useful life of the SIM card that is found inside. This card is responsible for keeping the beacon connected to the DGT 3.0 platform. Thanks to this platform, the General Directorate of Traffic is able to locate in real time to vehicles that have suffered an accident or breakdown on the roads and tracks of the State. Furthermore, it also allows warn other drivers of the situation, which promised to reinforce road safety.
However, the fact that they have much shorter useful life to the traditional triangles, which should not be renewed if they were in correct conditions for use, has unleashed the questioning of their usefulness. Likewise, it should be remembered that the device works thanks to batterieswhich must also be changed periodically to ensure their operation, and that it is not waterproofso it could be damaged if used on a rainy day.
According to Pere Navarro, sales of the beacons have stagnated
All these issues, added to the controversies created by its luminosity and the unofficial map on which each of the connected devices could be geolocated, have caused a stagnation of your sales. Therefore, the director of the DGT wanted to emphasize that its use is mandatory and that they must be approved, since if they do not do so, the driver faces a penalty. The fines for not having the V16 beacon connected and approved are 80 euros. A figure that can rise up to 200 euros if it is not used in the event of an accident or breakdown.
Likewise, he also wanted to remember the advantages of this device in front of the triangles. Beyond connectivity to the DGT platform and the emission of lights to avoid accidents, the main objective of these beacons is to the driver does not have to get out of the vehicle to signal the emergency and do not put yourself in danger when walking on the road.