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Date Published: 02/12/2025

V-16 emergency light prices shoot up in Murcia as stock runs out

The shortage has led to a glut of fake beacons flooding the market in the Region of Murcia

Well aware that the January 2026 deadline is rapidly approaching, drivers in the Region of Murcia have been hit with V-16 fever and are racing to the shops to grab the new mandatory emergency beacons that will replace reflective triangles. But with less than a month to go, stock is running out and stores are hiking up the prices for desperate motorists.

"Sales are increasing significantly; there's a noticeable increase in activity now. Many people who weren't aware of it are now starting to buy them throughout the Region of Murcia," Francisco Hernández, president of the Association of Automotive Spare Parts Dealers of the Region (Acrarem), said.

“I have clients who have sold 400 or 500 beacons in a single day,” he added.

But there is still a significant portion of the population unaware that these devices, which will be mandatory for signalling a breakdown, accident or emergency on the road starting next year, must be kept in their vehicles to avoid unpleasant surprises and traffic fines.

And in a tale as old as time, Mr Hernández warned that the price of the beacons will likely shoot up even more in the coming weeks as demand outstrips supply.

But it’s important that drivers don’t fall into the trap of buying cheaper, unapproved warning lights. The DGT has released a list of the only approved V-16 beacons and carrying an unauthorised light will amount to the same as having none at all.

To avoid this costly mistake, Mr Hernández advises going to specialised establishments, such as auto parts stores: "There shouldn't be a problem there because they're official and have all the necessary certifications; even regular repair shops usually have them," he pointed out.

Remember also that these devices "must be connected to a mobile phone operator, and geolocation, until 2038," a requirement that many cheap models do not meet.

Approved models are currently being sold for somewhere in the region of €35 to €50. The reason for the variation in price is that many suppliers have already started increasing their costs.

According to the expert, motorists would be wise to purchase their V-16 emergency beacon now rather than waiting until the last minute.

The DGT has been announcing the implementation for more than two years and the Director General of Traffic, Pere Navarro, recently warned that the deadline will not be extended under any circumstances.

Find all the latest motoring and travel news here or join our Driving in Spain Facebook group for regular updates

Image: DGT

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