On January 1st all We must carry a V16 beacon in the car and many doubts are arising around them. Mostly what model to buy to make sure that is approvedbut privacy is also questioned. In forums like Forocoches There are drivers who wonder if the DGT will be able to know where we are at all times and even if they will be able to use them to fine us if we exceed the speed.
The reason for the suspicion. The V16 beacons have a GPS system and the integration of a SIM card that offers connection for up to twelve years. Technically they are capable of transmitting our position to the DGT and in fact that is exactly what they do when we connect them. However, this does not mean that it is a surveillance device for several reasons.
Timely shipping. Although they share our position, the beacons are designed to do so punctually when we have an accident, not continuously as a tracking device. The DGT says that this is its only objective and no additional functionalities can be “incorporated”. It is a requirement for the beacons to receive approval.
You don’t know our data. For there to be surveillance, it is necessary for the security guard to know who we are, but the V16 beacons are not associated with us or our vehicle, so even if they broadcast our position at all times, the DGT would not know who we are. On the official website they clarify it: “The beacon only transmits the exact position of our vehicle in order to avoid road accidents, but it does not collect or emit personal information about us or our vehicle.”
About the apps. There are applications like SOS Alert either MyIncidence that link with the connected V16 beacon to offer more functionality. One of them is the possibility of connecting them to our insurance so that they also receive the alert when you use the beacon in an accident. This is totally optional. If you are concerned about privacy and the beacon being associated with you and your vehicle, not registering would be enough.
Fines. It is clear that the DGT cannot fine you “remotely” through the beacon, so you can receive a fine of up to 200 euros It’s because you don’t have it in the vehicle. You can also receiving a fine is for turning it on without an accident having occurred. Approved beacons offer a grace period of 100 seconds until they send the position, more than enough time to check that it works correctly without giving a false warning.
You doubt yes. The V16 beacons They are not a mass surveillance devicebut they are being questioned for other reasons that are well founded, such as their visibility during the day. Experts warn that dangerous situations have already occurred For this reason, especially when the vehicle stops after a curve or in a change of gradient; With the triangles we could make ourselves seen sooner, but not with this. The problem is that triangles will be banned starting January 1st.
Added to this is the question of price. Although there are cheaper modelswe are talking about a product that is usually around 40-50 euros, which is not exactly cheap. Taking into account that andThe number of passenger cars in Spain exceeds 25 millionthe business is huge, it is estimated that could reach 1.7 billion eurosand all for a device that is not clear that it is better than triangles.
Image | DGT
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