On this page
- What should you do in the first few seconds after a puncture?
- Where to stop: in town, on the ring road, on the motorway
- Where should the warning triangle go?
- When is the high-visibility vest compulsory?
- What changes if you're on a motorbike?
- When is it better not to change the wheel yourself?
- Safe, but still with a punctured tyre in Milan?
- Frequently asked questions
What should you do in the first few seconds after a puncture?
In the first few seconds after a puncture, hold the steering wheel firmly, don't brake suddenly and switch on your hazard lights. Let the vehicle slow down gradually and look for somewhere to stop.
- Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel: the vehicle may pull to one side.
- Ease off the accelerator and brake gently.
- Switch on your hazard lights.
- Indicate as you move over to the right and reach a safe spot at reduced speed.
Where to stop: in town, on the ring road, on the motorway
The right place to stop depends on the type of road.
In town
Pull over to the right-hand edge, ideally into a car park, a side street or an area where you won't block traffic. Avoid junctions, bends, bus and tram stops and tram tracks. If you're in a dangerous spot, move a few metres at walking pace.
On the ring road or motorway
Stop in the first lay-by or, if that's not possible, on the hard shoulder, as far to the right as possible. Once stopped:
- get out on the side away from traffic, together with your passengers;
- put on your high-visibility vest;
- place the warning triangle only if you can do so safely;
- stay behind the crash barrier, never on the carriageway, and don't cross the road;
- call for help from there.
Changing a wheel on the traffic side, on the hard shoulder, is a risky job: consider asking for help.
Where should the warning triangle go?
The triangle must be placed behind the vehicle at least 50 metres away, so that it's visible from at least 100 metres by approaching drivers. This is required in Italy by article 162 of the Codice della Strada (Highway Code – obligation to use it) and article 357 of its implementing regulations (how to position it).
On a bend or after a rise, move the triangle so that approaching drivers can see it in time. While placing it, walk along the edge of the road facing the traffic, wearing your vest.
When is the high-visibility vest compulsory?
In Italy the high-visibility vest (or braces) is compulsory when you get out of the vehicle outside built-up areas, at night or in poor visibility, on the carriageway or in lay-bys (article 162, paragraph 4-ter, of the Codice della Strada).
Even when it isn't compulsory, for example in town during the day, wearing it makes you more visible: keep it inside the car, within reach, not in the boot. For night-time situations also read about our night-time tyre service in Milan.
What changes if you're on a motorbike?
On a motorbike the basic rules are the same: hazard lights if fitted, gentle braking and stopping somewhere safe. A puncture on a motorbike affects stability much more, though: hold the handlebars firmly, avoid braking hard on the punctured wheel and let the bike slow down.
- In Italy the warning triangle isn't compulsory for two-wheeled motorbikes and mopeds.
- Wearing a high-visibility garment is still good practice, especially at night and outside towns.
- Don't carry on with a flat tyre: on a motorbike the risk of falling is high.
Find out more on the page dedicated to motorbikes.
When is it better not to change the wheel yourself?
It's better not to change the wheel yourself when the punctured wheel is on the traffic side, when the road is narrow or on a slope, when the ground is soft or if you don't have the full kit (jack, wheel brace, spare wheel in good condition).
At night, in the rain or with children on board, too, the priority is to stay safe. In these cases, stay somewhere protected and ask for assistance. Also read can you drive on a punctured tyre?
Safe, but still with a punctured tyre in Milan?
Once you're safe you can call SOS Tyre: we operate 24/7 in Milan and the surrounding province, we set off as soon as you call and the average arrival time is 30 minutes. On the phone we tell you straight away when we'll arrive. Call +39 377 326 0999 or fill in the assistance request. If you need step-by-step guidance, see our emergency tyre service in Milan.
Frequently asked questions
How far back should the triangle go on the motorway?
In Italy the general rule is the same on every road: the triangle must be placed at least 50 metres behind the vehicle, so that it's visible from at least 100 metres by approaching drivers. On the motorway, only place it if you can do so safely, walking along the edge and wearing your vest.
Is the warning triangle compulsory for motorbikes too?
No. In Italy the triangle isn't compulsory for two-wheeled motorbikes and mopeds. Motorcyclists must still stop somewhere safe, make themselves visible and move away from the carriageway, especially at night or on fast roads.
Do I have to wear a high-visibility vest in town?
The obligation under Italy's Codice della Strada applies to anyone getting out of the vehicle outside built-up areas, at night or in poor visibility, on the carriageway or in lay-bys. In town during the day it isn't compulsory, but wearing one is still a simple way to make sure passing drivers see you.
Where should passengers wait after a puncture?
Passengers should get out on the side away from traffic and move away from the carriageway: behind the crash barrier on the ring road or motorway, on the pavement in town. They shouldn't stand between the vehicle and the traffic, or sit on the crash barrier.
Can I stay in the car on the hard shoulder?
On the ring road and motorway it's safer to get out on the side away from traffic and wait behind the crash barrier, because a vehicle stopped on the hard shoulder can be hit. If getting out would mean a greater risk, for example because there's no protected space, choose the most cautious option.