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Rules of the road · about 2 min read

Roadworthiness checks and emergency warnings

Understand the rule, its conditions and how to apply it

What you will learn

  • Explain the purpose of this rule.
  • Apply the procedure and recognise its limitations.

Purpose and essential terms

A roadworthy vehicle is fit for use and meets the applicable requirements. Tyres, lights, steering, brakes, visibility and secure equipment all matter. A recently renewed licence disc does not prove that a new defect is safe.

Check the vehicle before use and pay attention to changes during the journey. Unsafe fuel equipment, uninsulated wiring, a loose battery, dangerous exhaust leakage or excessive smoke need qualified attention. A vehicle designed for or capable of at least 60 km/h needs a working speedometer.

Key idea: A roadworthy vehicle is fit for use and meets the applicable requirements.

How to apply the rule

If a breakdown forces you to stop, choose the safest available position, protect occupants and obtain assistance. Use hazard warnings as appropriate. Where an emergency triangle is required, it goes at least 45 metres towards the approaching traffic, with its reflective face towards that traffic. The manual specifies lateral placement in line with the vehicle’s transverse centre.

Only place a warning if you can do so without exposing yourself to traffic. The reference triangle-carrying requirement applies to the specified heavy vehicles, goods vehicles, minibuses and buses, with stated exclusions. Do not interpret a general picture as proof that every vehicle class has identical equipment obligations.

Key idea: Protect people and alert assistance.

Conditions and easily confused points

A triangle is a breakdown warning, not a device to place behind every traffic-light queue. The manual excludes situations such as obeying traffic controls, stopped traffic with the driver at the wheel, and certain authorised loading or official functions.

Fixing one obvious defect does not establish complete roadworthiness. A nonworking speedometer and a fuel leak are different defects and both require attention.

Key idea: Apply the full rule to the actual vehicle, road and conditions.

Worked road situation

A goods vehicle is immobilised on the roadway and a warning can be placed safely.

  1. Protect people and alert assistance.
  2. Place the warning at least 45 metres towards approaching traffic, facing it.
  3. Stay out of live lanes and continue to manage the situation safely.

Quick recap

  • Protect people and alert assistance.
  • Place the warning at least 45 metres towards approaching traffic, facing it.
  • Stay out of live lanes and continue to manage the situation safely.

Practice questions on roadworthiness checks and emergency warnings

1 What must a vehicle capable of 60 km/h or more have?

  1. A working speedometer
  2. A musical siren
  3. A flashing blue light
Show the answer

Answer A: A working speedometer

Keep the exhaust silencer, fuel system, wiring and battery safe and maintained. Exhaust fumes must not enter the passenger area. A vehicle capable of 60 km/h or more must have a working speedometer. Avoid excessive noise. Where a warning triangle is required for a stationary vehicle, place it at least 45 metres toward approaching traffic with the reflective face toward them.

Memory tip: Read the full rule, including its conditions and exceptions.

All vehicle codes

2 Which way should a warning triangle’s reflective face point?

  1. Toward the pavement only
  2. Toward approaching traffic
  3. Toward the broken-down vehicle
Show the answer

Answer B: Toward approaching traffic

Keep the exhaust silencer, fuel system, wiring and battery safe and maintained. Exhaust fumes must not enter the passenger area. A vehicle capable of 60 km/h or more must have a working speedometer. Avoid excessive noise. Where a warning triangle is required for a stationary vehicle, place it at least 45 metres toward approaching traffic with the reflective face toward them.

Memory tip: Read the full rule, including its conditions and exceptions.

All vehicle codes

3 May a vehicle emit exhaust fumes into its passenger compartment?

  1. No
  2. Yes, with a fan on
  3. Yes, on a short journey
Show the answer

Answer A: No

Keep the exhaust silencer, fuel system, wiring and battery safe and maintained. Exhaust fumes must not enter the passenger area. A vehicle capable of 60 km/h or more must have a working speedometer. Avoid excessive noise. Where a warning triangle is required for a stationary vehicle, place it at least 45 metres toward approaching traffic with the reflective face toward them.

Memory tip: Read the full rule, including its conditions and exceptions.

All vehicle codes

4 How should a vehicle’s fuel cap and wiring be maintained?

  1. Secure and safe so they do not create a danger
  2. Loose and exposed
  3. Only checked when the vehicle stops running
Show the answer

Answer A: Secure and safe so they do not create a danger

Keep the exhaust silencer, fuel system, wiring and battery safe and maintained. Exhaust fumes must not enter the passenger area. A vehicle capable of 60 km/h or more must have a working speedometer. Avoid excessive noise. Where a warning triangle is required for a stationary vehicle, place it at least 45 metres toward approaching traffic with the reflective face toward them.

Memory tip: Read the full rule, including its conditions and exceptions.

All vehicle codes

More rules of the road chapters

Sources: NaTIS Rules of the Road, PDF pp. 26–28, sections 6.21–6.26, 6.66; iDriving K53 manual, PDF pp. 91–102 (comparison; incomplete text extraction checked against official reference).

AceK53 is an independent study aid based on public road traffic manuals and is not an official test. Always confirm requirements with your driving licence testing centre.