Rule 280: Objects on the carriageway
If anything falls from a vehicle on to a motorway or other high-speed road, DO NOT remove the obstruction yourself. Stop in a place of relative safety (see Rule 275) and call the emergency services on 999.
On other roads, you should only remove obstructions if it is safe to do so.
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
- What should you do if you see a large box fall from a lorry onto the motorway? Incidents, accidents and emergencies
- You're driving on the motorway. What should you do if luggage falls from your vehicle? Incidents, accidents and emergencies
- How should the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway be used? Road and traffic signs
- Your vehicle breaks down on a motorway and you manage to stop on the hard shoulder. What should you do if you use your mobile phone to call for help? Motorway rules