The situation when a vehicle suddenly loses speed in the middle of busy traffic is always stressful. A driver whose car has broken down is often at a loss as to how to correctly mark his car so as not to cause an accident and not receive a fine. The issue of light signals is especially acute, since they are the main language of communication on the road.
Many people mistakenly believe that the rules for using hazard warning lights are the same for all participants in the towing process. However Traffic rules clearly differentiate the responsibilities of the driver of the towed and towing vehicles. Understanding these nuances is critical not only for safety, but also for saving your wallet, since traffic police inspectors pay increased attention to towed cars.
In this article, we will look in detail at exactly when the emergency lights should light up, what to do if they don’t work, and what other lighting devices must be used. Proper preparation for towing is the key to ensuring that you get to the service station without additional problems with the law.
Traffic regulations requirements for light signals when towing
The main regulatory document regulating this process is paragraph 7.1 of the current Traffic rules. According to it, the hazard warning lights must be turned on forcibly in cases where the vehicle is forced to stop or is moving with a technical malfunction. A towed vehicle is formally considered faulty, since it cannot move on its own.
There is a common misconception that when towing with a rigid hitch, when the cars are rigidly connected and moving as a single unit, there is no need to turn on the emergency lights. This is a dangerous mistake. Legislation does not make exceptions for the type of coupling (rigid or flexible) in the context of the obligation to identify a faulty vehicle. If the car does not drive on its own, a signal must be given.
⚠️ Attention: Turning on the hazard lights when towing is only mandatory for the vehicle being towed. The driver of a tractor (tug) does not have the right to turn on the emergency lights while driving, as this will mislead other road users regarding his own intentions.
It is also important to note that the use of emergency lights does not relieve the driver of a towed car from the obligation to give turn signals, if the design of the car and the situation on the road allow it. However, when the hazard warning lights are on, the turn indicators are usually blocked or operate in the mode of flashing all lamps simultaneously, which is what is required in this case.
Responsibilities of the driver of a towed vehicle
The driver whose vehicle needs to be towed or towed takes on the role of wingman. Its main task is to ensure maximum visibility of your car to surrounding traffic. Hazard warning lights plays a key role here by warning rear drivers that an object with limited maneuverability is moving ahead.
According to traffic regulations, if the technical condition of the vehicle allows, the driver of the towed vehicle is required to turn on the emergency lights before starting to move. This action must be performed before the car starts moving. If the power supply system is completely de-energized or damaged, which often happens during serious breakdowns, the driver is required to install a warning triangle on the rear of the car.
Let's consider the main scenarios when the driver of a towed car needs to act:
- 🚗 Driving along the highway: The hazard warning light turns on immediately after the start of towing and stays on continuously until it stops completely.
- 🚙 Getting around the city: Even at low speeds in heavy traffic, an alarm is required, since the dimensions of the hitch may not be obvious.
- 🌑 Night time: In addition to the emergency lights, you need to make sure that the side lights are working if the on-board network allows it.
It is worth remembering that the absence of a working emergency signal when there are working lamps is a direct violation. The inspector has the right to issue a fine, even if you move slowly and carefully. Security in this case, it directly depends on the visibility of your car for those driving behind.
Rules for the driver of a towing vehicle
The situation with a driver who volunteered to help and is pulling a faulty car is radically different. It is subject to standard traffic rules, like any other moving vehicle. Turning on the alarm for it strictly prohibited while driving, as this signal means “emergency stop” or “I am faulty”.
The driver of a towing vehicle must use only standard lighting devices: low beam headlights (day and night), side markers (at night) and direction indicators when maneuvering. The only exception is the short-term activation of the emergency lights to warn of danger immediately at the moment of towing or during emergency braking, but during the movement it must be turned off.
If you are towing a car, negotiate with the driver behind you about signals. For example, short beeps or flashing high beams may mean “move to the right” or “slow down.”
Particular attention should be paid to the choice of speed and distance. The towing operator is responsible for the safety of the entire road train. It needs advance warning of its maneuvers by activating its turn signals well in advance, so that the driver behind (whose view may be limited) has time to react.
Nuances of rigid and flexible coupling
The type of coupling influences the driving dynamics, but does not eliminate the requirements for light designation. When using flexible hitch (cable), the length of which, according to traffic regulations, should be from 4 to 6 meters, the car behind has significant freedom of maneuver. This makes it even more noticeable, but also more dangerous for overtaking people who may not calculate the length of the cable.
When rigid coupling (metal bar) cars move almost as one unit. However, even in this case, the towed vehicle is considered a separate vehicle with limited control. Many drivers mistakenly think that the bar itself is a sufficient signal, but in the dark or in bad weather it may not be visible.
Let's compare the requirements for different types of coupling:
| Parameter | Flexible hitch (Cable) | Rigid hitch (Rod) |
|---|---|---|
| Turning on the emergency lights | Required | Required |
| "Car enthusiast" sign | Not required, but recommended | Not required |
| Management | Active steering required | The trajectory follows the leader |
| Speed (traffic rules) | No more than 50 km/h | No more than 50 km/h |
Regardless of the type of connection, if the vehicle being towed does not have working hazard lights, regulations require that a warning triangle be installed at the rear. This requirement is the same for all cases of forced towing.
What to do if the battery is dead and the emergency lights cannot be turned on?
In the event of a complete discharge of the battery or a wiring malfunction, when it is impossible to turn on the hazard warning lights, the driver is required to attach a warning triangle to the rear of the car. Driving without emergency lights on and without a sign is prohibited.
Actions in case of malfunction of lighting devices
What to do if the car breaks down precisely because of electrical problems, and it is physically impossible to turn on the emergency lights? In such a situation, the requirement to install a warning triangle comes into force. This triangle with a reflective frame becomes the only visual hazard identifier for other drivers.
Warning triangle must be installed on the rear of the vehicle being towed. In conditions of poor visibility or at night, the distance at which it should be visible is regulated by GOST (usually at least 30 meters). However, when towing, the sign is attached directly to the car and is not placed on the road.
⚠️ Attention: Driving without the hazard lights on and without a warning triangle installed is equivalent to driving a technically faulty vehicle. This threatens not only a fine, but also a ban on further movement (removal of license plates in old editions, detention of the vehicle).
If you don’t have a sign with you and the emergency lights don’t work, the only right solution is to call a tow truck. Towing by eye in the dark without a warning light is a recipe for a collision, as drivers behind may simply not notice the approaching group of cars.
Fines and liability for violations
Ignoring the rules for using lighting devices when towing is classified under the Code of Administrative Offenses. Most often, Part 1 of Article 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (“Failure to comply with the requirements prescribed by road signs or road markings”) is applied, which entails a warning or a fine of 500 rubles.
However, if the lack of signaling led to the creation of an emergency, liability may be reclassified to more serious articles relating to violation of maneuvering rules or interference. In addition, in the event of an accident, it is the absence of working emergency lights on the towed car that often becomes the determining factor in admitting guilt.
Main risks for the driver:
- 💸 Financial punishment: The fine is issued to the driver of the towed vehicle.
- 🚓 Stopping movement: The inspector may prohibit further towing until the problem is corrected.
- 📉 Insurance problems: In the event of an accident, the insurance company may refuse to pay, citing a traffic violation.
☑️ Ready to tow
It is worth noting that the driver of the vehicle is responsible. If you are being towed by someone you know, and your emergency lights are not on, you will receive a fine, since you are driving the towed vehicle and are obliged to monitor its technical condition and designation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to turn on the hazard lights during the day when towing?
Yes, definitely. Paragraph 7.1 of the traffic rules does not distinguish between the time of day. A disabled vehicle must be marked at all times so that other road users can assess the situation in advance and reduce their speed.
Is it possible to tow a car if its turn signal does not work?
You can tow, but only if the hazard lights are turned on. The hazard warning lamp duplicates the operation of the direction indicators (all lamps flash simultaneously). If both the emergency lights and turn signals do not work, movement is prohibited without the use of special towing means (partial loading) or a tow truck.
Who is responsible if an accident occurs during towing?
Responsibility is distributed depending on the situation. Usually the driver who violated traffic rules (for example, did not turn on the emergency lights or failed to maintain the distance) is found guilty. However, the drivers of both cars are jointly responsible for the safety of the coupling, so the degree of guilt is often determined individually by the traffic police inspector.
Is towing allowed on the motorway?
Yes, towing on motorways is permitted, but the speed limit must not exceed 50 km/h. At the same time, the requirements for light signals remain the same: emergency lights on a towed car are mandatory. You can only go onto the highway with a faulty car to go to a repair or parking place.
Main conclusion: When towing, the hazard warning lights are activated ONLY on the towed vehicle. The towing vehicle uses a standard set of lighting devices. Ignoring this rule creates a real threat to life and entails a fine.