What is a triangular stop sign?
A triangular stop sign (triangular stop sign) is a sign that is set up to prevent rear-end collisions when a vehicle is forced to stop on the shoulder of a road while driving on a highway due to an accident, breakdown, running out of gas, or other problem.
The triangular stop sign has a reflective part in the shape of an upright triangle that reflects the light of headlights and other sources, even at night.
There are few opportunities to use them except in emergency stops, so few people may have actually used them, but for four-wheeled vehicles, it is essential to have one on board. On the other hand, for two-wheeled vehicles, which do not have as much loading space as four-wheeled vehicles, there are probably not many riders who always carry a stop triangle on board.
However, even motorcycles are required to display a triangular stop sign on the rear of the vehicle in case of an emergency stop, etc. If the sign is not installed, it will be considered a “violation of the obligation to display a broken-down vehicle,” and the motorcycle will be penalized with one violation point and a fine of 6,000 yen.
However, the obligation to display the triangular stop sign is only applicable to expressways and motorways, and not to ordinary roads. Also, there is no need to carry the triangular stop sign with you at all times. It is only necessary for emergency stops, so you only need to carry it with you when you plan to drive on the expressway, such as when touring.
For motorcycles, the stop sign is only necessary for emergency stopping. It is good to carry it when you plan to ride on the highway for touring.
What items do you use on your bike?
Furthermore, there are certain standards for stop signs, which are mainly as follows:
[Regulations for triangular stop signs]
・There must be a reflective part in the shape of an upright equilateral triangle
・The reflection must be visible from 200m away
・The color of the reflected light must be red
・It must be possible to stand it upright on the road
As anyone who has seen one installed on a four-wheeled vehicle knows, it is an equilateral triangle with a red reflective part that shines in the headlights of vehicles behind. It also needs to meet certain conditions, such as being able to see the reflection from 200 meters away and being able to stand upright on the road.
However, even the foldable triangular stop signs generally available on the market are quite large for four-wheeled vehicles, and are generally difficult to carry around on motorcycles.
That’s why some manufacturers sell motorcycle-specific stop triangles, which come in handy. For example, the one I use is the “Motorcycle-Specific Stop Triangle EM-359” made by Emerson.
Emerson Motorcycle Triangle Stop Sign EM-359
What makes this item so convenient is that it folds up compactly. When stored, it measures 234mm wide x 110mm deep x 47mm high, and when in use, it can be unfolded to 431mm wide x 110mm deep x 425mm high. This ensures that it is large enough to be seen reflecting light from 200m away, as mentioned above. What’s more, when folded, it can be easily stored in a bag or similar.
Can be stored compactly in a dedicated case
It also comes with a compact plastic case for easy storage, making it easy to carry around. It has also acquired the “TS Mark,” a certification that it is a National Public Safety Commission-certified product, so you can rest assured that it will perform well, including being visible to vehicles behind. I purchased this item on Amazon for 1,777 yen (tax included).
Plastic storage case
When using, be sure to check the safety behind you before setting it down.
For example, if you run out of gas on the highway and need to make an emergency stop, first turn on the hazard lights or blinkers, then move the motorcycle to a safe place on the shoulder of the road and stop there.
Once you have stopped, your first priority should be your own safety. Be especially careful as there is a high risk of being hit from behind by a vehicle. First, quickly evacuate to a safe place, such as outside the guardrail.
Next, take the triangular stop plate out of a bag or other storage location and unfold it into an equilateral triangle. After that, while making sure that no vehicles are approaching from behind, set the triangular stop plate behind the motorcycle. The EM-359 introduced here is a type that is secured to the rear wheel of the motorcycle with the included rope and belt. On my beloved Honda CBR650R, I was able to set it directly on the rear wheel, but for motorcycles with low rear fenders, some types cannot be secured to the rear wheel. In that case, it seems best to install it behind the rear fender and wrap the belt around the rear fender or license plate area.
Installed on a CBR650R
Once you have set up the warning triangle, evacuate again outside the guardrail. Then, call the JAF or the road service included in your voluntary insurance. You can call directly from your mobile phone, or you can call the road control center via the emergency telephones located every kilometer on the main road, which will connect you to the center and request rescue.
In addition, for four-wheeled vehicles, it is mandatory to carry a “smoke bomb” and use it in case of an emergency stop. However, since it is not necessary for two-wheeled vehicles, there is no need to use a smoke bomb.
The safest thing to do is to avoid troubles such as breakdowns and running out of gas.
As such, if you need to make an emergency stop on a highway, even motorcycles must display a stop triangle. Therefore, in case of an emergency, it is a good idea to carry one with you when riding on highways or expressways.
However, before that, it’s important to try to avoid problems like breakdowns and running out of gas as much as possible. It’s important to check the amount of fuel, such as gasoline, as well as tire pressure beforehand. Also, when touring, it’s important to plan your schedule with ample time to give yourself plenty of time, both mentally and physically, and to avoid unexpected accidents as much as possible.
It is important to check in advance to avoid problems such as breakdowns and running out of gas as much as possible.
The stop triangle is just there for emergencies. If you can avoid using it, it’s definitely better.
