Roadside Emergency Protocol : Rule 276 Breakdown Safety

Last updated:

📜 Highway Code Regulation 🚘 Independent revision guide 🌐 Multi-Language Translation Support

🖼️ Official Visual Diagram

Highway Code Rule 276

📖 Rule 276 Full Regulations & Explanation

Rule 276 ↗
If your vehicle breaks down, think first of all other road users and

get your vehicle off the road if possible
warn other traffic by using your hazard warning lights if your vehicle is causing an obstruction
help other road users see you by wearing light-coloured or fluorescent clothing in daylight and reflective clothing at night or in poor visibility
put a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your broken-down vehicle on the same side of the road, or use other permitted warning devices if you have them. Always take great care when placing or retrieving them, but never use them on motorways
if possible, keep your sidelights on if it is dark or visibility is poor
do not stand (or let anybody else stand) between your vehicle and oncoming traffic
at night or in poor visibility do not stand where you will prevent other road users seeing your lights

Text shown in the rule image

Roadside Emergency Protocol : Rule 276 Breakdown Safety

IMMEDIATE VEHICLE MANAGEMENT

MOVE CLEAR OF TRAFFIC If possible , get your vehicle off the road entirely to ensure it does not pose an immediate hazard to others .

PERSONAL SAFETY & VISIBILITY

STEP 3 : WARNING OTHERS

WEAR HIGH- VISIBILITY CLOTHING

SIGNAL AN OBSTRUCTION .

Activate your hazard warning lights immediately if your vehicle is causing an obstruction to warn approaching traffic .

Use light- colored or fluorescent clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night to help other road users see you .

EXERCISE CAUTION DURING SETUP . Take great care when placing or retrieving warning devices , as you will be exposed to moving traffic .

DEPLOY WARNING TRIANGLES

Place a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres ( 147 feet ) behind your vehicle on the same side of the road .

MAINTAIN VISIBILITY IN LOW LIGHT

If it is dark or visibility is poor , keep your sidelights on to ensure the vehicle remains visible from all angles .

SAFE STANDING POSITIONS

Never stand between your vehicle and oncoming traffic , and do not stand where you might block other drivers ' view of your vehicle's lights .

MOTORWAY RESTRICTION

While triangles are essential on standard roads , you must never use them on motorways due to high - speed risks .