AliExpress Sells Nearly a Million Uncertified V16 Beacons for the DGT
The e-commerce platform AliExpress has distributed around a million units of the V16 luminous device, designed to warn of an emergency stop on the road. However, there is a fundamental problem: these devices do not have the official certification required by law by Spain's Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT). This leaves buyers in a complicated situation. 🚨
The Legal Requirement for Certification
The DGT regulations are clear. From January 1, 2026, it is mandatory to carry in the vehicle a certified V16 beacon or, alternatively, the traditional pre-signaling triangles. This official certificate ensures that the device passes specific technical tests for luminosity, resistance to weather conditions, and connectivity. The models offered on AliExpress, although they may appear identical to the approved ones, completely lack this validation seal. The authorities do not accept them as valid.
Consequences of using an uncertified device:- Does not exempt from receiving a fine in a traffic check.
- The driver does not comply with current road safety regulations.
- The device may not function with the reliability required in a real emergency situation.
The DGT maintains a public list of V16 devices that are certified. None of those sold en masse on this Chinese platform appear in that official registry.
The Buyers' Dilemma
Many users purchased these beacons attracted by a lower price than that of certified models. Now they face the reality of having a product they cannot use for the purpose they sought: legally replacing the triangles. Their option is to risk a sanction or invest again in a model that is on the DGT list.
The current situation generates:- Frustration among drivers who trusted the offer.
- Confusion about which device is legal and which is not.
- Economic loss for those who already bought the invalid item.
Conclusion: A "Bargain" That Doesn't Comply
What seemed like a opportunity to save has turned into a problem. These uncertified devices become, at best, a decorative item for the glove compartment. Meanwhile, drivers must continue using the traditional triangles or purchase a V16 beacon from an authorized manufacturer. Road safety depends on equipment that complies with regulations, not on cheaper imitations. ⚠️