How many meters behind the vehicle should the warning triangle be placed?
3 Answers
According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China", on conventional roads, when a vehicle breaks down or is involved in a traffic accident, the warning triangle should be placed 50 to 100 meters behind the vehicle. Below are the standards for placing the warning triangle: 1. Highways: On highways, the warning sign should be placed at least 150 meters behind the vehicle. In case of rain or fog, the distance should be increased to 200 meters. 2. Urban roads: On urban roads, the warning triangle should be placed 50 meters behind the vehicle; at night, the distance should be extended to 150 meters.
I've encountered several breakdowns while driving before, and each time I carefully placed the triangular warning sign. On highways, I place it 150 meters away because of the fast traffic flow - 150 meters gives following drivers enough braking time. For example, at 100 km/h, too short a distance could lead to a rear-end collision. On regular roads, I place it at least 50 meters away, adjusting based on road conditions. On downhill slopes or foggy days, I increase the distance to 70-80 meters. When placing the sign, I first put on my reflective vest, make sure no cars are coming, then walk to a safe spot to position it properly before quickly retreating behind the guardrail to wait for assistance. Don't take this lightly - placing it too close is practically the same as not placing it at all. Regularly checking the warning sign for wear and tear is also part of routine maintenance, and keeping its lights working and stability intact is even more important.
After driving for so many years, I've summarized one key lesson: the distance of a warning triangle isn't just about following rules—it's a lifeline. On highways, place it 150 meters away, and at least 50 meters on regular roads. Why? For example, at 120 km/h on a highway, 150 meters gives you about 4 seconds of reaction time—enough to avoid an accident. Placing it just 40 meters away is far too risky. During rain or on curves, I recommend placing it even farther, like 200 meters. When setting it up, don't rush—first check for safety from the roadside, then walk over slowly to place it securely. Once done, don't linger in the lane; move away immediately. Making this a habit can drastically reduce accident rates, which matters far more than car repairs.
