Hazard alarms on a towed car: are they required by traffic regulations in?

Have you found yourself in a situation where your car has broken down in the middle of the road and needs to be towed away? Or, on the contrary, do you agree to help another driver and take his car “for a tie”? In both cases, it is important not only to secure the cable correctly, but also to comply with the requirements Traffic rules by use alarm. A mistake here will not only cost you a fine, but can also create an emergency on the road.

In 2026, clarifications were made to the traffic rules regarding the towing of motor vehicles, and many drivers are still confused: Should the emergency lights light up on a towed car if it is manual?? The answer seems obvious, but in practice there are nuances - from the type of towing to the technical features of the car. In this article we will analyze all cases when turning on the hazard warning lights is mandatory, and when you can do without them - with links to current traffic regulations and explanations from the traffic police.

We will also analyze typical driver mistakes, the size of fines for non-compliance with the rules and give step-by-step instructions on how to properly organize towing to avoid problems with inspectors and ensure safety on the road.

Traffic rules 2026: what the law says about hazard warning lights when towing

The main document regulating the use of hazard warning lights when towing is clause 7.1 of the Russian Traffic Regulations. It clearly states:

⚠️ Attention: On a towed motor vehicle the hazard warning lights must be on in any conditions - day, night, fog or rain. This rule applies regardless of the type of towing (flexible, rigid or partial loading).

However, there are important clarifications:

• 🔧 If the alarm faulty (for example, a fuse has burned out or the wiring is damaged), a warning triangle (red triangle).
• 🚗 The exception is motorcycles without side trailer — their towing is completely prohibited (Section 20.4 of the Traffic Regulations), so the issue of “emergency lights” is not relevant.
• 💡 In the dark or when there is insufficient visibility on the towed car, they must be turned on side lights (clause 19.1 of the traffic rules).

It is important to understand that motor vehicle is any vehicle, except mopeds, driven by an engine (including electric vehicles and hybrids). Even if your car is electric traction and “does not make noise”, the rules remain the same.

When an hazard warning light on a towed car is NOT needed

Despite the strict requirements of traffic rules, there are several legal cases when you turn on the emergency lights not necessary:

1. Towing using partial loading method (for example, on a tow truck with a lifting platform). Here the towed vehicle actually becomes cargo, and the rules for it do not apply. However, there should be a light on on the tow truck itself yellow flashing light (clause 7.2 of the traffic rules).
2. Alarm malfunction, but provided that the car is installed warning triangle (clause 7.3 of the traffic rules). In this case, the sign must be visible to other drivers from a distance of at least 30 meters.
3. Towing a trailer (do not confuse with a mechanical vehicle!). On a trailer, hazard lights are not required, but they should work brake lights and turn signals.

It is also worth noting that in some European countries (for example, Germany or France) the rules are different - there you may need to turn on the towed car. low beam headlights instead of "emergency lights". But in Russia only domestic traffic regulations apply.

What happens if you don't turn on the emergency lights?

According to Part 1 of Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, for non-compliance with the rules for using emergency alarms, a fine of 500 rubles. However, if an accident occurs due to your mistake, the amount may rise to 1,500 rubles, and the blame will be placed entirely on the driver of the towed car (if it was driven).

Fines for towing violations in 2026

Incorrect use of hazard lights is not the only violation that can result in a towing fine. The table below contains all current sanctions:

Violation	Fine (rub.)	Article of the Administrative Code	Additional measures
There is no alarm on the towed vehicle (if the system is working)	500	12.20 p.1	Warning possible
There is no warning triangle when there is a faulty hazard warning light.	500	12.20 p.1	—
Towing on a flexible hitch in icy conditions	500	12.21 p.1	—
Exceeding towing speed (more than 50 km/h)	500–1 000	12.9 part 2	—
Towing a motorcycle without a side trailer	500–1 500	12.21 p.1	Towing ban

Inspectors are especially strict about towing at night. If there are no lights on the towed car side lights or alarm, a fine can be issued under two articles simultaneously (12.20 and 12.5 part 1).

Step-by-step instructions: how to tow a car correctly

In order not to run into a fine or create an emergency situation, follow this algorithm:

Check the serviceability of the hazard lights on the towed car|Make sure that the cable or rigid hitch complies with traffic regulations|On the towed car, turn on the hazard lights (or install a warning triangle)|Agree with the driver of the towing vehicle on the route and communication signals|Check the operation of the brakes and steering on the towed car-->

Now in more detail about each stage:

1. Towing type selection:
   • 🔗 Flexible hitch (cable): allowed if the brakes and steering are working properly. Maximum cable length - 4–6 meters.
   • 🔩 Rigid coupling: Preferable in icy conditions or when the brakes are faulty. Length - up to 4 meters.
   • 🚛 Partial loading: Used by a tow truck. Here, an emergency light is not needed, but a yellow flashing light on the tow truck is required.

Alarm check:

On the towed car, press the hazard lights button (usually with the image of a red triangle). If it doesn't work, fix it warning triangle behind. The sign must be visible from a distance 30+ meters.

Speed mode:

Maximum towing speed - 50 km/h (clause 10.4 of the traffic rules). Towing on motorways prohibited (clause 16.1 of the traffic rules).

If the towed vehicle not driver controlled (for example, due to a breakdown of the helmsman), it can be transported only by partial loading method.

Typical driver mistakes when towing

In practice, even experienced motorists make mistakes that lead to fines or accidents. Here are the most common:

• 🚨 No emergency lights on the towed car - the most common reason for fines. Drivers forget to turn it on or hope that “it’s obvious enough.”
• 🔌 Using a non-certified cable. According to traffic regulations, the cable must be orange with reflective elements.
• 🚫 Towing with faulty brakes on a flexible hitch. This is prohibited by clause 20.4 of the Traffic Regulations - only a rigid hitch or a tow truck.
• 🌃 No side lights at night. Many people only turn on the emergency lights, forgetting about the dimensions.
• 📱 Using your phone while towing. The driver of a towed car should be focused on the road, not on messages.

Another dangerous mistake - towing a car with automatic transmission over long distances. In automatic transmissions, when towing without suspended wheels (for example, on a cable), the torque converter may fail. The maximum distance for such vehicles is 50 km at a speed no higher 30 km/h.

Frequently asked questions about towing and hazard lights

Do I need to turn on the hazard lights on a towing vehicle?

No, Hazard warning lights are required only on a towed vehicle. However, the towing vehicle must operate low beam headlights or daytime running lights (clause 19.5 of the traffic rules).

Is it possible to tow a car without a driver behind the wheel?

Only if towing is carried out partial loading method (on a tow truck). In all other cases in a towed car the driver must be present (except for cases when the design of the hitch ensures that the trajectory of the towing vehicle is repeated).

What distance should be between vehicles on a flexible hitch?

From 4 to 6 meters. If the cable is shorter, the towed vehicle will not have enough room to maneuver. If it’s longer, the risk of the cable “folding” when turning increases.

What to do if the battery of the towed car is dead and the hazard lights do not work?

In this case it is necessary:

1. Install warning triangle behind.
2. If possible, recharge the battery from the towing car (for example, by lighting it before driving).
3. Use rigid coupling, since flexible coupling is prohibited when the brakes are not working.

Can an electric car be towed?

Yes, but with reservations:

• If an electric car not on the go (battery discharged), it can only be towed partial loading method.
• If the car on the go, but with a limited range, towing is permitted with a flexible or rigid hitch, but hazard warning lights must work.

Important: some models (for example, Tesla) when towing, the wheels are automatically locked - this is stated in the operating instructions.

Conclusion: How to Avoid Problems When Towing

To summarize, remember three key rules:

1. The hazard warning lights on a towed mechanical vehicle must always be switched on, except in cases of partial loading or malfunction (in which case a warning triangle is required).
2. Speed no higher than 50 km/h, and towing is prohibited on highways.
3. The cable or hitch must comply with traffic regulations (length, color, reflectors).

If you are not confident in your abilities or the towed car has serious damage (for example, the brakes do not work), it is better to call tow truck. This is more expensive, but safer and will eliminate the risk of fines or accidents.

And remember: even if you are riding “on a tie” for only a few hundred meters, Towing rules apply in full. One forgotten “accident” can result not only in a fine, but also in an accident.