Accessibility of Breakdown Signal

The prescribed breakdown signal must be easily accessible in the vehicle.

Setting Up the Breakdown Signal

The breakdown signal must be set up at the edge of the road as soon as a vehicle is parked on the carriageway for compelling reasons or if it cannot be seen in time by other drivers due to poor vehicle lighting or exceptional weather conditions (e.g. fog). It also serves to indicate a vehicle parked on a breakdown lane.

• The breakdown signal should be placed at least 50 meters behind the vehicle, or 100 meters on fast roads, positioned on the right edge of the breakdown lane.
• In designated emergency stops or parking spaces for broken-down vehicles, setting up the breakdown signal is not required.

Warning Lights

Warning lights on stationary vehicles may be used in addition to the breakdown signal to alert others to danger.

While the vehicle is moving, hazard warning lights may be used to signal hazards such as unexpected accidents, traffic jams, or towing on highways.

Breakdown Lights

Additionally, breakdown lights with a steady or flashing non-blinding yellow light may be placed behind the vehicle. Open flames and flammable objects (e.g. flares, fuel cans) are prohibited.

Obligation to Follow Traffic Rules

The use of breakdown signals and warning lights does not relieve the driver from following traffic rules, particularly those related to lighting, stopping, and parking.

Towed Vehicles

The breakdown signal must also be displayed on the rear of towed vehicles.

Breakdown During Cargo Handling

If a vehicle needs to stop for cargo handling in a location that may endanger traffic (e.g. on a winding mountain road), breakdown signals or warning posts must be set up.

Obstacles to Traffic

Creating obstacles to traffic without good reason is prohibited. Any such obstacles must be properly marked and removed as soon as possible.

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