Safety warning accessories

When should a warning triangle be placed on the road?

Participation in road traffic includes the possibility of unexpected situations. In the event of a vehicle breakdown, the driver is obliged to turn on the hazard warning lights and place a warning triangle on the road. Failure to comply with the standards included in the applicable regulations is punishable by a fine and penalty points. In addition, the lack of a warning triangle in the car during a roadside inspection is also punishable by a fine of PLN 20 to PLN 500. Article 50 of the Highway Code says that it is necessary to place a warning triangle on an express road or motorway - irrespective of whether the damaged vehicle is on the road or on the hard shoulder. It is an obligation because they are expressways. 

The warning triangle in built-up areas should be used when the car is on the road. Especially in a place where it is forbidden to stop a vehicle. The warning triangle should be used in non-built-up areas, when the damaged vehicle is standing on the road. This is not necessary when the car is on the roadside. However, the warning triangle should be used iwhen the vehicle may be invisible from a certain distance. In this case, the triangle should be placed immediately. But for your own safety it is recommended, to place a warning triangle on the road whenever a vehicle breaks down. It should be noted that you do not get a fine when you use of the warning triangle in a situation where it is not required by law.

How far away from your vehicle should you place a warning triangle?

It is very important to place the warning triangle at the correct distance from the vehicle. The distance of the triangle from the car depends on the type of road on which the damaged car is parked. In the event of an unexpected failure on an expressway or motorway, the warning triangle should be placed 100 m far away from the car. When the vehicle is damaged in non-built-up areas, the safety triangle should be placed at a distance of 30 to 50 m behind the damaged car. Drivers may think whether it is necessary to use a warning triangle in built-up areas. The answer is – yes. However, in this situation , no specific distances are determined. The warning triangle can be placed directly behind the vehicle, but not more than 1 meter away.

Amount of fines for no triangle or misuse of triangle

In new cars, the safety triangle is usually a part of the basic equipment and accessories. If you need to buy a new model, we can turn to the automotive store. When you need a new model, you should go to a car accessories shop. When you select the warning triangle you should take the one with the appropriate approval regarding the size and reflective surface. If you want the triangle to take up little space in the vehicle, you should choose a folding warning triangle. Then you can easily put the triangle even under the driver's seat.

The warning triangle is also used for towing a vehicle. It should be placed outside the car on the left side. A fine of PLN 150 may be received for the lack of the triangle or its incorrect location. In the absence of signaling a vehicle breakdown or inappropriate signaling on a motorway or expressway, the driver may receive a fine of PLN 300 and 1 penalty point. You can receive PLN 150 fine and 1 penalty point if you do not signal or incorrectly signal the place where the car is stopped.