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DVSA revision material with source-checked Lanekind learning corrections. Lanekind is not a DVSA product and is not endorsed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. The Highway Code is Crown copyright, reproduced under the Open Government Licence.

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LanekindThe Highway CodeBreakdowns and incidentsRule 282

Breakdowns and incidents · Incidents

Rule 282: When passing the scene of an incident

When passing the scene of an incident, remain alert for hazards (such as debris or slow-moving vehicles) and do not slow down unnecessarily (for example, if an incident is on the other side of a dual carriageway). You should focus on the road ahead when passing an incident because a lack of attention may cause a further incident, collision or congestion (see also Rule 283, below).

Source note (app): Rule 282 refreshed from the Department for Transport’s GOV.UK Highway Code, checked 2026-09-06. This corrects the imported passage only; the rest of the archive has not been refreshed. © Crown copyright. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Licence details: The National Archives, Open Government Licence v3.0. No government endorsement is implied.

In the Highway Code, MUST and MUST NOT identify legal requirements. Advice using should, should not, do or do not can still be used as evidence in court proceedings under the Traffic Acts to establish liability. The introduction explains this distinction.

The rules either side

The Code reads in order, and each of these names the rule it goes to rather than saying only ‘next’.

Rule 281: Warning signs or flashing lightsThe rule before this one Rule 283: If you are involved in a crash or stop to give assistance use your…The rule after this one

Incidents

3 rules

The rules the Code files beside this one, in its order.

Rule 281: Warning signs or flashing lightsIf you see or hear emergency or incident support vehicles in the distance, be aware there may be an incident ahead (see…Rule 282: When passing the scene of an incidentremain alert for hazards (such as debris or slow-moving vehicles) and do not slow down unnecessarily (for example, if…Rule 283: If you are involved in a crash or stop to give assistance use your…hazard warning lights to warn other traffic ask drivers to switch off their engines and stop smoking arrange for the…

Breakdowns and incidents

Rules 275 to 287

The other groups in this part of the Code, and the rest of it.

Place of relative safety (rule 275)1 rule Breakdowns (rule 276)1 rule Additional rules for motorways3 rules Obstructions (rule 280)1 rule Incidents3 rules Incidents involving dangerous goods2 rules Documentation2 rules

All of Breakdowns and incidentsRules 275 to 287 on one page Road signs and markingsEvery sign this rule refers to, each one on a page you can link to.