Warning triangle: where to place it after a breakdown

Outside built-up areas, the warning triangle must be used in specific situations: at night if the rear lights do not work and, day or night, when a stopped vehicle cannot be seen from a sufficient distance. The regulation generally requires it behind the vehicle at least 50 metres away and visible from 100 metres. Before getting out, put on a high-visibility vest.

When you must use the triangle

The warning triangle is not automatically required after every stop. Article 162 of the Italian Highway Code requires it outside built-up areas when a vehicle is stopped on the carriageway and, at night, its rear lights are missing or not working. It is also required by day if approaching drivers cannot see the vehicle from a sufficient distance. The triangle must be approved and placed upright where it can be seen.

If the vehicle is stopped in a dangerous place, protecting people comes first. Switch on the hazard lights if they work and have passengers leave on the side away from traffic if it is safe to do so. Do not cross the carriageway or walk into a lane to fetch the triangle when doing so would put you at greater risk.

Distance and visibility

The general rule is at least 50 metres behind the vehicle or obstacle. The triangle must be visible to approaching drivers from 100 metres, so do not hide it behind a bend, rise or obstruction. On a motorway or main extra-urban road, if the vehicle cannot be moved to an emergency lane or lay-by, Article 176 requires the triangle to be placed at least 100 metres behind it.

If you leave the vehicle and move on the road in the circumstances covered by Article 162, you must wear a high-visibility vest or braces. Keep it within reach in the passenger compartment, not buried under luggage in the boot, so you can put it on before getting out.

After a puncture or breakdown

If you can reach a lay-by or parking area safely, move the car there. On a motorway, the emergency lane is for stopping in an emergency or resuming your journey. Call for assistance; the triangle does not make a dangerous repair safe.

If placing the triangle would expose you to traffic, stay protected and call roadside assistance or emergency services. Choose the option that reduces risk to you and approaching drivers.

The distance depends on the road

On ordinary roads, place it at least 50 metres behind the vehicle, visible from 100 metres. On a motorway or main extra-urban road, Article 176 requires at least 100 metres if the vehicle cannot be moved to a lay-by or emergency lane.

Never walk into traffic to meet a distance on paper. Place the triangle only when you can do so safely.

To practise road-safety quizzes, open Quiz Patente Ufficiale, choose a chapter and review incorrect answers with explanations. You can revise how to signal a hazard alongside the other safe-driving rules covered in the app.

For more detail, read Emergency triangle: when to use it and where to place it.

For another practical example, see Puncture on a motorway: what to do before getting out.