6.1 Breakdown Safety and Warning Triangles
Key Takeaways
Road rule 226 requires a motor vehicle above 12 t GVM to carry at least three portable warning triangles.
When the stopped vehicle or fallen load is not visible for 200 m in all directions, rule 227 requires the relevant triangle placement.
Place one triangle 50–150 m ahead, one 50–150 m behind, and one at the side where it gives sufficient warning.
Make the first stop as safe as possible
A breakdown can leave the vehicle where traffic does not expect it. If control remains available, move to a suitable safe location without creating another hazard. Avoid stopping just beyond a crest, around a blind bend or where the trailer blocks a live lane. Use the remaining control to reduce speed smoothly, communicate with indicators or hazard lights as appropriate, and secure the vehicle once stopped.
A hazard warning light alerts others but does not replace warning triangles where required. Nor does it make a live-lane obstruction safe. Consider the position of the whole vehicle and any fallen load, the available sight distance, approaching traffic, weather and the driver’s safe way to leave the cab.
Carrying versus displaying triangles
Road rule 226 requires the driver of a motor vehicle with GVM over 12 t to carry at least three portable warning triangles. This is a carrying threshold; it is not a blanket statement that every bus over 5 t must carry them under that rule. Check additional operating or vehicle requirements separately where relevant.
Rule 227 addresses a motor vehicle above 12 t stopped on a road, or a load that has fallen from it, when the vehicle or load is not visible for at least 200 m in all directions. The rule’s road definition includes the shoulder but excludes road-related areas. The visibility trigger can apply by day as well as at night. Bright daylight does not guarantee that traffic beyond a bend can see the obstruction.
The statutory placement
| Triangle | General placement under rule 227 | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Front | At least 50 m and not more than 150 m ahead | Warn traffic approaching from that direction |
| Rear | At least 50 m and not more than 150 m behind | Warn traffic approaching from behind |
| Side | At the side, positioned to give sufficient warning | Mark the immediate obstruction |
Do not substitute 200–250 m distances from a different jurisdiction or an invented separate divided-road arrangement. The 200 m figure is the visibility trigger, not the distance for placing the front and rear triangles. Read the current rule when answering a numerical question.
Take account of approaching traffic and personal safety while placing warnings. Do not step into a live lane without a safe opportunity or remain exposed to traffic while repairing a fault. If the situation is too dangerous to manage safely, call for emergency assistance and traffic protection. Safety decisions and lawful directions at the scene can require professional help beyond the driver’s own equipment.
Plan people as well as equipment
Secure the vehicle with the appropriate parking brake and other measures for the site and vehicle. Choose the safer side for exiting when possible and inspect the ground below the steps. Use three points of contact. Keep occupants and bystanders away from traffic, unstable loads and the vehicle’s crush zones. A position behind a barrier may be safer where it is accessible without entering another hazard.
Do not stand directly behind the vehicle expecting the hazard lights to protect you from an approaching driver. Keep a safe escape option. If passengers are present, provide clear instructions and obtain help when their movement creates additional risk. Emergency services can help determine evacuation or traffic-control needs in a hazardous location.
Communicate useful information
When calling the operator, recovery service or emergency services, give the road name, direction of travel, nearest identifiable landmark, vehicle type, lane obstruction and whether people are injured. Mention a dangerous-goods load, fire, leaking fuel, unstable cargo or electrical hazards. Accurate information helps the responder choose equipment and protection rather than send an unsuitable small recovery vehicle.
A driver should not attempt repairs beyond their competence or work under a vehicle supported only by an unsafe arrangement. Hot components, pressurised air systems and loaded suspension can create serious hazards. Report the symptoms, warning lights and circumstances so a qualified repairer can diagnose the fault. After a repair, confirm the required checks and any defect clearance before resuming.
Fallen loads and return to traffic
A fallen load can remain an obstruction even after the truck is moved. Warn traffic as required, keep people away and arrange safe recovery. Do not walk into a high-speed lane to collect scattered freight without protection. A damaged restraint system must be corrected before the remaining cargo is transported.
Before rejoining traffic, inspect the vehicle and load, stow equipment safely and restore the normal travel configuration. Signal and give way from the stationary roadside position, including the five-second signal requirement where applicable. Accelerate only when there is enough room for the full vehicle to enter without creating a hazard. A recovery delay is not a reason to omit checks or exceed fatigue limits.
Key decisions
Know the carrying threshold, visibility trigger and placement distances separately. Protect people, obtain suitable assistance and confirm roadworthiness before continuing.
Official sources
Road Rules 2019, rules 226–227; handbook warning triangles. Sources checked 10 October 2026.
A 16 t GVM truck is stopped on a road and cannot be seen from 200 m in all directions. What is the general triangle arrangement?
Two 200–250 m behind and none ahead
One triangle only, at the rear bumper
One 50–150 m ahead, one 50–150 m behind, and one at the side giving sufficient warning
No triangles are needed during daylight
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