Warning triangleUnited Kingdom
An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of United Kingdom. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.
For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.
270. Warning triangle
A warning triangle is a portable reflective safety device used to warn approaching traffic about a stopped, broken-down or crashed vehicle or another obstruction on the road. It should be placed far enough from the hazard to give other drivers time to react and should remain clearly visible. The required distance and situations in which a warning triangle must be used vary between countries, so drivers should know the local rules and keep the triangle easily accessible in the vehicle.
Wikimedia.org • Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA
Should a warning triangle be placed on a British motorway?
No. The Highway Code advises never placing a warning triangle on a motorway. Move to a safer position and follow motorway-breakdown procedures instead.
🔗 gov.uk • Highway Code for Great Britain — Rules274–287, breakdown safety and collision duties

Traffic rules
United Kingdom