What Does a Car Warning Triangle Mean? This is Its Actual Function

It is very important to know the function of the car warning triangle. Although it is considered important, many people in Indonesia are still unaware of it. This equipment usually comes packaged with a jack or a spare tire. To help you understand it better, let's take a look at the following review.

What is a Car Warning Triangle?

A warning triangle is part of the car's safety equipment, just like a spare tire or jack. As the name suggests, a car warning triangle is used as a marker that the car is experiencing problems, thus ensuring your safety when you need to repair the car on the road.

The use of this warning triangle is actually regulated by law. Specifically, in Law No. 22 of 2009 Article 57 paragraph 3C and Article 121. In this law, drivers of cars or other four-wheeled vehicles are required to use a warning triangle as a marker or signal that the car is having problems.

If this regulation is violated, a criminal penalty will be imposed, which is imprisonment for 2 months or a fine of Rp500,000 as stipulated in Article 298. Meanwhile, if you do not carry this equipment, you will be fined Rp250,000 or face imprisonment for 1 month. This is regulated in Article 278.

This warning triangle is designed in a triangular shape with equal angles and sides and is colored red. This equipment has a side width of 5 cm and a length of 4 cm, with a hole in the middle. The use of red color on the warning triangle serves to provide a reflective effect when exposed to light from car headlights.

According to the legislation from the Ministry of Transportation stated in Law No. 22 of 2009 Article 13, the placement of the warning triangle must not be arbitrary. It must be placed at the back and front of the stopped car at a distance of at least 4 meters. The side distance must not exceed 40 cm. For placement on busy roads with smooth traffic, the installation distance is approximately 10 meters. For installation on highways, it can reach approximately 100 meters.

Functions of the Car Warning Triangle

The warning triangle on a car has several important functions as follows.

1. As a Signal

The main function of the warning triangle is as a signal or marker that the car being driven is experiencing problems. For example, it may break down due to running out of fuel, a dirty spark plug, or other issues. This way, other drivers can see from a distance that you are performing car repairs.

2. Ensuring Safety

With the presence of a warning triangle, your safety when repairing a car on the road is more assured. The warning triangle will reflect light when hit by headlights from other vehicles.

This allows other drivers to be cautious and reduce the speed of their vehicles. This not only enhances your safety but also helps prevent the risk of accidents for other drivers.

3. Avoiding Fines

As explained above, the warning triangle is regulated by law. By always carrying it, you will be free from the penalties or fines stipulated in the regulations.

Now you know the function and importance of the car warning triangle. Make sure you always comply with the applicable regulations. Avoid using branches or other objects as a substitute for the warning triangle. Because besides violating the applicable rules, it can also endanger your safety when repairing a car on the road.