How Many Meters Away Should the Warning Triangle Be Placed from the Car?
2 Answers
The distance for placing a warning triangle from a car depends on two scenarios: 1. Highways: According to China's 'Road Traffic Law,' if a vehicle breaks down on a highway, the warning sign should be placed at least 150 meters away from the direction of oncoming traffic during the day and at least 250 meters away at night. Occupants should quickly move to the right shoulder or emergency lane and call the police immediately. 2. Regular Roads: On conventional roads, the warning sign should be placed 50 to 100 meters behind the vehicle during the day and at least 150 meters away at night. In case of rain or fog at night, the distance should be increased to at least 200 meters.
When your car breaks down and you need to place a warning triangle, it should be placed 50 meters away on urban roads and 150 meters away on highways. When I was a new driver, during a summer trip, my car stalled. I was so focused on calling for help that I forgot to set up the triangle. A truck barely missed me, giving me a real scare. Later, I learned that the distance is based on vehicle speed—on highways, where speeds are higher and reaction times shorter, placing it 150 meters away gives enough time to brake. Now, before every trip, I check if the triangle is in the trunk. If something happens, I first turn on the hazard lights, then measure the steps to place the triangle correctly, and finally move to the shoulder for safety while waiting for help. Don’t underestimate this—these rules are life-saving lessons learned from experience. Having the right tools and wearing a reflective vest are also smart moves.
