Changes to DGT regulations: V-16 emergency lights are coming

For a little over a year now we have been hearing about a new way of signalling a broken-down vehicle on the hard shoulder. Until now, the correct procedure was to place the emergency warning triangles in front of and behind the car, at least 50 metres away from the stationary vehicle. In this way other vehicles can see the warning in time and carry out the manoeuvres needed to avoid an accident.

The current problem is that to place the triangles, you have to get out of the vehicle, obviously. This poses a considerable risk, even though the driver is required to carry a reflective vest. The risk exists, and people must be protected once they leave the vehicle, so a more effective signalling solution has been developed.

V-16 emergency light

The V-16 emergency light is going to be incorporated into DGT regulations and will be the warning element that replaces emergency warning triangles. It is a light that is placed on the roof of the vehicle and flashes luminous signals that can be seen from one kilometre away. It is a practical and efficient way to signal the car when it is stopped, without putting the occupants at risk, who do not need to leave the vehicle until roadside assistance arrives.

These devices are already common in other countries, which have banned signalling with emergency warning triangles. The V-16 light will be included in the new regulations that the DGT will approve at the beginning of 2021. Not just any warning light will be valid, as the regulations set out the characteristics this device must have.

This is what the V-16 emergency light must be like

• The device must have an amber-yellow light, which must be visible and recognisable as an emergency light.
• The optical system of the device must be able to cover a 360º viewing angle horizontally and vertically, with a minimum of 8 degrees above and below.
• The luminous intensity must be grade 0, that is, between 40 and 80 effective candelas, and at 8º above or below it must be at least 25 candelas. This intensity must be maintained for at least 30 minutes.
• The device must be able to stay on a surface without moving and not shift because of the wind. To achieve this, a magnet is used to fix it to the roof of the car or to an external point of the vehicle where it can be seen without problems across a 360º angle.
• The flashing frequency must be between 0.8 and 2 Hz.
• The device must operate between -10º and 50º C.
• The device must have a battery power source that allows it to be used for 18 months. In the case of a device with a rechargeable battery, it is treated the same as one using disposable batteries, provided it can be recharged in the vehicle itself.

Although the use of these devices will be approved next year, warning triangles may continue to be used until at least 2024. There are already emergency lights of this type on the market that meet these characteristics and can be used now, although they are not compulsory, it is advisable to use them to signal a stopped vehicle on the road and avoid unnecessary risks.