What Lights to Turn On When a Vehicle Breaks Down at Night?
2 Answers
When a motor vehicle breaks down on the road at night and is difficult to move, the clearance lights and rear position lights should be turned on. According to Article 60 of the 'Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China', if a motor vehicle breaks down or is involved in a traffic accident on the road, obstructing traffic and being difficult to move, the hazard warning flashers should be activated as required, and a warning sign should be placed 50 to 100 meters behind the vehicle. At night, the clearance lights and rear position lights should also be turned on simultaneously. Additional Information: 1. Continuously Activate Hazard Warning Flashers: According to Article 52 of the 'Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China', when a motor vehicle breaks down on the road and needs to stop to address the issue, the driver should immediately turn on the hazard warning flashers, move the vehicle to a place where it does not obstruct traffic, and park it. If the vehicle is difficult to move, the hazard warning flashers should remain on continuously, and warning signs should be set up in the direction of oncoming traffic to increase the warning distance. If necessary, call the police promptly. 2. Set Up Warning Signs: According to Article 68, if a motor vehicle breaks down on a highway, the provisions of Article 52 of this Law shall apply. However, the warning signs should be placed at least 150 meters away in the direction of oncoming traffic. All occupants should quickly move to the right shoulder or emergency lane and call the police immediately.
That night on the highway, my tire blew out—it was pitch dark and really scary. I quickly pressed the hazard warning light button—the red triangle symbol on the dashboard—and it flashed red, making sure vehicles behind could see the warning from far away. I also remember setting up the warning triangle about 50 meters behind the car to prevent rear-end collisions. After a breakdown, it's best to turn off the engine but not lock the car, and open the windows for ventilation to prevent engine overheating. With low visibility at night, turning on the flashing lights is crucial to avoid secondary accidents—safety comes first. Experience tells me not to panic in such situations; just follow the correct procedures, as safety is the top priority.
