Rule 276: If your vehicle breaks down

Advice, not law Breakdowns (rule 276)

If your vehicle breaks down, think first of all other road users and

get your vehicle off the road if possible
warn other traffic by using your hazard warning lights if your vehicle is causing an obstruction
help other road users see you by wearing light-coloured or fluorescent clothing in daylight and reflective clothing at night or in poor visibility
put a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your broken-down vehicle on the same side of the road, or use other permitted warning devices if you have them. Always take great care when placing or retrieving them, but never use them on motorways
if possible, keep your sidelights on if it is dark or visibility is poor
do not stand (or let anybody else stand) between your vehicle and oncoming traffic
at night or in poor visibility do not stand where you will prevent other road users seeing your lights

Advice, not law. This rule is not written in capitals, so breaking it is not an offence in itself — but it can still be used in evidence in court to establish liability. The rules that say MUST or MUST NOT are the ones backed by law.

5 theory test questions on this rule

From the DVSA revision question bank. These are not the questions asked in the real theory test. Each one shows the answer, the explanation, and our own note on why every other option is not it.

Car

You're driving in heavy traffic on a wet road. Which lights should you use if there's a lot of surface spray? Other types of vehicle

Motorcycle

Lorry & Bus (LGV/PCV)

Triangular projection markers are required when your load is wider than 2.9 metres (9 feet 6 inches). What colour are these markers? Vehicle weights and dimensions

Practise by topic Sit a full mock test