42 Warning signals

Warning and light signals may only be given if the safety of the traffic requires it. Unnecessary and excessive warning signals are to be avoided. The warning signal must not be used to gain attention.

Acoustic warning signals are to be given if children in the road area do not pay attention to the traffic and before unclear, narrow curves. After dark, only light signals may be given. At night, acoustic warning signals are only permitted in emergencies.

43 Breakdown signal and warning light

On motor vehicles with a width of more than 1.00 m, except for motorcycles and motorcycles with side carriages, a brake signal must be present.

The emergency signal must be easily accessible in the vehicle. It must be set up as soon as a vehicle is parked on the road or on the roadside for compelling reasons. The towing signal must be applied to the rear of the towed vehicle during towing.

The emergency signal must be placed at least 50 m, or on roads with fast traffic at least 100 m, behind the vehicle at the edge of the road, if a breakdown lane exists, at the right side of the breakdown lane. The emergency signal does not have to be set up during emergency stop, when on signaled parking space for breakdown vehicles (416)

Hazard warning lights may only be used to warn of dangers as follows:

a. On the stationary vehicle, in addition to the emergency signal.
b. On the moving vehicle, in particular in front of an unexpectedly appearing accident site, a traffic jam or when towing on motorways and expressways.