Vehicle Warning Beacon (V16)

[freddo]

Only certain Gruas are allowed to pick up broken-down vehicles from a Motorway road
AP7 is classed as Motorway

[Carl]

Coming to ALDI soon.

ALDI V16.JPG (53.73 KiB) Viewed 3202 times

Meanwhile, LIDL are currently trying to sell the non-geo version at €9.99.

Worth just re-posting this link from an earlier post, because of the January 2026 date (assuming this date has not been pushed back) and connectivity charges - https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/beac ... 35-nt.html

[Carl]

In Aldi 12 - 14 March. The only reason I posted this is because it mentions an Orange e-sim (no cost to connect) for the V16.

V16 Aldi.JPG (94.39 KiB) Viewed 1946 times

It raise's the questions as to whether the V16s being manufactured by various companies are designed with a specific network in mind, or perhaps simply a network provider is partnering with a V16 manufacturer to promote sales. If it is the first, then people will need to consider which network operator coverage is best for them when choosing which V16 to buy.

[Carl]

Some more reporting on the V16s.

https://spanishnewstoday.com/how-much-w ... m_navigate

[gail]

Thanks Carl, we did know we will have to carry a connected V16 from next year when we drive out, but the list of approved ones is helpful. The roof of our car is not magnetic and faffing around with a suction cup if ever needed is not ideal. I should imagine ours isn't the only car like that. We will get one, hopefully not need it, and place it a safe distance behind the car or on the back door, which is magnetic if necessary.

[Carl]

Thanks Carl, we did know we will have to carry a connected V16 from next year when we drive out, but the list of approved ones is helpful. The roof of our car is not magnetic and faffing around with a suction cup if ever needed is not ideal. I should imagine ours isn't the only car like that. We will get one, hopefully not need it, and place it a safe distance behind the car or on the back door, which is magnetic if necessary.

Seems to have been talked about for a decade until we have nearly got to the point of it being law in January 2026.

You make a valid point about non-magnetic car roofs, and I have not seen any guidance about where to position the V16 in those cases.

Fingers crossed most people will never need to use the V16, but I can just imagine some people reaching for their V16 in an emergency and it does not work because they have not checked that the batteries still work.