Skip advert
Advertisement

Warning triangles

Carrying a hazard alert sign or lamp is vital in case your car breaks down. We test seven options

Travel abroad and the chances are local laws will require you to carry a warning triangle in your car's boot. In fact in some countries such as Spain, you need two - and a fluorescent jacket!

For driving in the UK, carrying a hazard warning sign is not compulsory but is a sensible idea, given the dangers of being stranded on the roadside or motorway hard shoulder, where staying safe depends on yourvehicle being clearly visible to other motorists. Fitting a triangle in a car's boot is usually easy - many models have room for them in the spare wheel well or behind side panels.

There are many versions on offer, available from supermarkets, DIY stores and traditional accessory shops, as well as hazard lamps which can be used instead of a triangle. But which should you go for? We tested seven best-sellers to find out.

Verdict

The brightest performer was the pricey Highway Safety Light, but it failed to win this test because of its poor build quality. The triangles were well matched, with the Speeding GH-074 just pipping the Metro to take our Best Buy award, thanks to good reflective perform- ance and superior design.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £25,250Avg. savings £2,502 off RRP*Used from £8,995
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,870Avg. savings £4,683 off RRP*Used from £9,222
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,270Avg. savings £1,925 off RRP*Used from £6,590
Toyota Yaris Cross
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Jaecoo 8 review
Auto Express senior content editor Shane Wilkinson standing next to the Jaecoo 8

Jaecoo 8 review

Jaecoo’s biggest car boasts a competitive price, surprising performance and seven seats, but its appeal for large families is limited
In-depth reviews
29 Apr 2026
Crucial new Volkswagen ID. Polo EV arrives with 283-mile range and £25k price tag
Volkswagen ID Polo - front static

Crucial new Volkswagen ID. Polo EV arrives with 283-mile range and £25k price tag

The new Volkswagen ID. Polo is the latest entrant in the rapidly-growing electric supermini sector that includes the Renault 5 Cupra Raval and Hyundai…
News
29 Apr 2026
New Vauxhall Grandland Griffin slashes £5,000 off family SUV’s starting price
Vauxhall Grandland Griffin - front

New Vauxhall Grandland Griffin slashes £5,000 off family SUV’s starting price

The Vauxhall Grandland now starts from £31,495, while the electric version is available from £34,495
News
29 Apr 2026