New V27 signal: what is it and how does this new product from DGT affect you

The European Union, and therefore Spain, were implementation of technological innovations in the field of road safety. Without going any further, ADAS systems are being introduced into new European car models to promote safe driving and prevent us from falling asleep at the wheel, getting into an accident, or accidentally running over someone. And among the many technological measures, one of the most unknown is virtual triangle, Signal V27 or B-27.

Earlier we talked about ADAS systems. These are technologies that help the driver to have more information about what’s going on around you, avoid distractions and reduce the likelihood of accidents. There are many technologies of this type, and it is likely that they will go away including many especially as the automotive industry moves toward driverless vehicles.

But we know almost nothing about the V27, V-27 or virtual triangle signal. Yes, however V16 signals or lights up. Both were announced simultaneously in Royal Decree 159/2021. But while Signal V-16, V-27 appears only once. No wonder V16 headlights will become mandatory from 2026, and V27 signal for now familiarization tool so that in a future to be determined it will be implemented in all vehicles.

What is signal V27

It is also known as virtual triangle. By triangle we mean that physical element that we have all used at some point to indicate on the road that our car had accident or breakdown. Today, for example, the traditional triangle is adjacent to the V16 signal we mentioned. And returning to Royal Decree 159/2021, the V27 signal is mentioned, briefly explaining what it consists of.

“The signal will be activated at on-board vehicle system warn of the presence of approaching danger when this fact is established reported by a third party to the connected vehicle platform of the General Directorate of Traffic.” Hence the virtual thing. It is not a physical element. “This sign voluntary“, will only be displayed in those vehicles that are connected by telematics directly or through a service provider to the National Traffic and Mobility Information Access Point.”

This V27 or V-27 signal refers us specifically to the V-16 signal, which many drivers already use. One of its functions is connect and send notification to the General Traffic Directorate so that they know our location. Looking to the near future, which is yet to be determined, these communications will make it possible inform other drivers and to the relevant authorities about the situation with the damaged or damaged vehicle. We can get this information through signs and messages on the road or in the car. More precisely, the V27 signal is activated when we approach this point, so let’s be careful.

Waiting for the integration of the entire system

The General Directorate of Traffic has been working for some time to create a National Access Point for Traffic and Mobility Information. It currently offers 36 datasets from 10 different organizations. You can check them out at this link. And, in the future, this information will be available between the DGT, the competent authorities of each territory and vehicles that circulate on a specific public road. In this way, all agents and subjects involved in driving and protecting the driver and pedestrian will have the maximum amount of information. Updated currently.

So if you still don’t know what the V27 signal is, that’s okay. You don’t have to change your car, or buy any device, signal or device. Knowing about its existence, what it does and what it will be used for, you have more than enough. It’s more. When the Bank of England first announced the virtual triangle in 2021, only 20% of the car fleet met the requirement. That is only 2 out of 10 cars are connected. Something that will change in the coming years as the implementation dates for ADAS systems and other General Traffic Directorate requirements arrive.