Road Incidents & Emergency Vehicles :

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Highway Code Rule 281

📖 Rule 281 Full Regulations & Explanation

Rule 281 ↗
Warning signs or flashing lights. If you see emergency or incident support vehicles displaying flashing lights in the distance, be aware there may be an incident ahead (see Rule 219 ↗). You should slow down and be prepared to move safely into another lane or stop.

The emergency services, traffic officers and recovery workers may be required to work in the carriageway; for example, dealing with debris, collisions or conducting rolling roadblocks. You MUST follow any directions given by police or traffic officers as to whether you can safely pass the incident or obstruction.

Laws RTA 1988 sects 35 & 163 as amended by TMA sect 6

Text shown in the rule image

Road Incidents & Emergency Vehicles :

A Guide to Rule 281

RECOGNITION & PREPARATION

Identify Flashing Lights in the Distance

Seeing emergency or incident support vehicles with flashing lights indicates an active incident or obstruction ahead .

Reduce Speed Immediately

As soon as lights are visible , you should slow down and prepare for changing road conditions or a potential stop .

ON - SCENE HAZARDS

Responders in the Carriageway

Be aware that recovery workers , traffic officers , and emergency services may be actively working in the road .

Prepare to Maneuver

Be ready to move safely into another lane to provide space for responders and victims .

Common Incident Scenarios

Personnel may be dealing with road debris , managing sehicie collisions , or conducting rolling roadblocks .

LEGAL COMPLIANCE

Mandatory Obedience to Directions

You MUST follow all directions given by police or traffic officers regarding whether it is safe to pass .

Governing Laws

These rules are enforced under the Road Traffic Act 1986 ( Sections 36 & 163 ) and the Traffic Management Act ( Section 6 ) .