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European Breakdown Regulations

European Breakdown Regulations

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Stay safe during a breakdown!

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In case of a breakdown, it is important to take the following measures:

  • Stop in the emergency lane (hard shoulder) and switch on your hazard lights
  • Put on your reflective vest (safety vest)
  • Place the warning triangle 30m (100m on motorways) behind your vehicle
  • Take shelter behind the safety barrier and notify the police or third party assistance

Some countries, however, have local regulations regarding breakdowns. That is why we have compiled the list below to ensure you know what do to in each country.

Continental wishes you a safe journey.

Emergency number collection

Know what to do in case of a breakdown – no matter where you are in Europe!
Click on the countries below to see what’s required from a legal perspective and whom to contact in case of an emergency.

Last Updates

Denmark (2021/09): New telephone number

Spain (2021/10): Update of fitment restrictions

Slovenia (2021/10): Update of fitment restrictions

Emergency numbers + legal requirements per country:

Austria [AT]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+43 2236 40 40 2300

Emergency: 144

Police:
133 or 112

When to involve
Only if additional road security is required

Whom to involve
Police

Who needs to call
Fleet (driver/manager) or service partner

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: allowed

Pattern: allowed

Size: prohibited

Third-party costs

  • Sometimes (e.g. if a highway or tunnel has to be closed due to the breakdown)
  • Handled via Conti360° after prior guarantee of payment from fleet

Legal authority
Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology


Belgium [BE]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+32 27 204 927

Emergency: 110 or 112

Police:
110 or 112

When to involve
Highways: Always

All other roads: only if additional road security is required

Whom to involve
Police

Depending on the situation, the company “FAST” (Flanders) or “Siabis+” (Wallonia) will be involved. Lifting on the highways carried out by accredited FAST towers after calling 112 (police). FAST also provides signs; for vehicles >3.5 tons there will be a cushion.

Who needs to call

Fleet (driver/manager)

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: allowed

Pattern: allowed

Size: allowed

Third-party costs

  • Yes
  • Handled via Conti360° after prior guarantee of payment from fleet

Legal authority
Belgian Ministry of Transport and Mobility


Bulgaria [BG]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+43 362 272 300 806

Emergency:
112

Police:
112

When to involve
Only if additional road security is required

Whom to involve
Highway authorities by calling the police

Who needs to call
Fleet (driver/manager) or service partner

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: allowed

Pattern: allowed

Size: only temporarily

Third-party costs

  • Yes
  • Handled via Conti360° after prior guarantee of payment from fleet

Legal authority
The Secretary of State for Transport

http://tiny.cc/360bulgaria


Croatia [CR]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+43 362 272 300 811

Emergency: 194

Police:
192

When to involve
Always

Whom to involve
Highway authorities HAC 
+385 0800 0422 or 
ORYX assistance service
+385 0800 18 18, can also be reached via SOS button on the roadside

Who needs to call
Fleet (driver/manager) or service partner

Fitting of mixed tires

Brand: allowed

Pattern: allowed

Size: prohibited

Third-party costs

  • Yes*
  • Handled via Conti360° after prior guarantee of payment from fleet

Legal authority
Law on Roads NN 84/11 and Law on Road Traffic Safety (NN 67/08 i 74/11)
http://tiny.cc/360croatia

* In case the driver is not able to remove the vehicle from the highway, the highway controller will immediately issue an order to remove the vehicle from the highway to the contracted officer at the expense of the vehicle owner, in accordance with Article 45, paragraph 4 of the Law on Roads (Official Gazette 84/11), and Articles 35, 79, 140 and 180 of the Law on Road Traffic Safety (OG 67/08 and 74/11), and while the vehicle is removed, the officer will properly mark the stopped vehicle.

Czech Republic [CZ]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+420 577 513 696

Emergency:
155 or 112

Police:
158 or 112

When to involve
Only if additional road security is required

Whom to involve
Highways: assistance service
(800 280 281)

All other roads: police

Who needs to call
Fleet (driver/manager) or service partner

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: only temporarily

Pattern: only temporarily

Size: only temporarily

Third-party costs

  • No

Legal authority
Law 361/2000 Sb. §45


Denmark [DK]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+45 43 23 04 30

Emergency: 112

Police:
118

When to involve
Only if additional road security is required

Whom to involve
Emergency 112

Who needs to call
Fleet (driver/manager) or service partner

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: allowed

Pattern: allowed

Size: allowed

Third-party costs

  • Yes
  • Handled via Conti360° after prior guarantee of payment from fleet

Legal authority
Transport-, Bygnings- og Boligministeriet (Ministry of Transport, Building and Housing)

http://tiny.cc/360denmark


Finland [FI]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+358 93 299 0301

Emergency: 112

Police:
112

When to involve
Only if additional road security is required

Whom to involve
Emergency 112

Who needs to call
Fleet (driver/manager) or any witness

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: only temporarily

Pattern: only temporarily

Size: only temporarily

Third-party costs

  • No

Legal authority
General duty of help


France [FR]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+33 344 407 162

Emergency: 15 or 112

Police:
17 or 112

When to involve

Highways and certain national roads: always

All other roads: only if additional road security is required

Whom to involve
Highway agency (SOS button) or police (if the SOS button is not working)

Who needs to call
Driver (not possible/allowed via the Conti360° Hotline)

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: only temporarily

Pattern: only temporarily

Size: only temporarily

Third-party costs

  • Yes
  • Handled via Conti360° after prior guarantee of payment from fleet

Legal authority
Direction générale de la concurrence, de la consommation et de la répression des fraudes

www.economie.gouv.fr/dgccrf


Germany [DE]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+49 511 938 2000

Emergency: 112

Police:
110

When to involve

Only if additional road security is required

Whom to involve
Police

Who needs to call
Fleet (driver/manager)

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: allowed

Pattern: allowed

Size: prohibited

Third-party costs

  • Yes
  • Handled via Conti360° after prior guarantee of payment from fleet

Legal authority
First the StVO and additionally the Berufsgenossenschaft (BGI800)


Hungary [HU]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+361 999 6786

Emergency: 112

Police:
107

When to involve

Only if additional road security is required

Whom to involve
Police

Who needs to call
Fleet (driver/manager) or any witness

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: only temporarily

Pattern: only temporarily

Size: only temporarily

Third-party costs

  • Yes
  • Handled via Conti360° after prior guarantee of payment from fleet

Legal authority
Belügyminisztérium (BM) Law 30/2011. (IX. 22.)

http://tiny.cc/360hungary


Italy [IT]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+39 02 42 410 345

Emergency: 112

Police:
112

When to involve

Highways: always

All other roads: only if additional road security is required

Whom to involve
Highways: police, ACI Global or Europe Assistance. Only authorized workshops are allowed to assist on highways

All other roads: police

Who needs to call

Highways: Police, Service partner, or Conti360° Call Center

All other roads: Fleet (driver/manager)

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: only temporarily

Pattern: only temporarily

Size: prohibited

Third-party costs

  • Yes
  • Handled via Conti360° after prior guarantee of payment from fleet

Legal authority
Codice della strada – regulation number 176 * Comportamenti durante la circolazione sulle autostrade e sulle strade extraurbane principali
(Behavior while driving on highways and main suburban roads)


Netherlands [NL]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+31 342 493 409

Emergency: 112

Police:
112

When to involve

Only if additional road security is required

Whom to involve
Highways: Rijkswaterstaat 0800-8002 (Road Management) will assess the situation with surveillance cameras/cars and involve a towing company/ additional security, if required.

All other roads: Police, if additional road security is required

Who needs to call

Highways: Rijkswaterstaat

All other roads: Fleet (driver/manager) or service partner

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: allowed

Pattern: allowed

Size: allowed

Third-party costs

  • Sometimes (e.g. if additional towing service required)
  • Handled via Conti360° after prior guarantee of payment from fleet

Legal authority
National Truck Regulation (LVR) by Ministry of Transport / Directorate General of Public Works and Water Management Rijkswaterstaat (RWS)

http://tiny.cc/360netherlands


Norway [NO]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+47 23 06 80 10

Emergency: 113

Police:
112

When to involve

Highways and roads with 60 km/h (35 mph) and higher: upon request of service partner or driver

All other roads: only if additional road security is required

Whom to involve
Highways and roads with 60 km/h (35 mph) and higher: Police or third party with TMA car

All other roads: police, if additional road security is required

Who needs to call

Fleet (driver/manager) or service partner

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: only temporarily

Pattern: only temporarily

Size: only temporarily

Third-party costs

  • Yes
  • Handled via Conti360° after prior guarantee of payment from fleet

Legal authority
Statens Vegvesen N-301 Arbeid på vei


Poland [PL]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+48 22 577 13 60

Emergency: 999 or 112

Police:
997 or 112

When to involve

Highways: always

All other roads: only if additional road security is required

Whom to involve

Police

Who needs to call

Fleet (driver/manager) or service partner

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: prohibited

Pattern: prohibited

Size: prohibited

Third-party costs

  • No


Portugal [PT]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+351 252 499 980

Emergency:
112

Police:
112

When to involve

Only if additional road security is required

Whom to involve

Highways:
AMT Autoridade (+351 211 025 800; Road Management) will assess the situation with surveillance cameras and involve additional security, if required.

All other roads: Police, if additional road security is required.

Who needs to call

Highways: AMT Autoridale
All other roads: Fleet (driver/manager) or service partner

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: only temporarily

Pattern: only temporarily

Size: only temporarily

Third-party costs

  • Sometimes
    (securing the breakdown location is usually free of charge, towing can cause extra cost)
  • Handled via Conti360° after prior guarantee of payment from fleet

Some companies may invoice the fleet or their insurance company directly.


Romania [RO]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+40 356 404 558

Emergency: 112

Police:
112

When to involve

Only if additional road security is required

Whom to involve
Police

Who needs to call

Fleet (driver/manager) or service partner

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: only temporarily

Pattern: only temporarily

Size: only temporarily

Third-party costs

  • No

Legal authority
The Secretary of State for Transport


Russia [RU]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+7 4956 628 889

Emergency:
103 or 112

Police:
102 or 112

When to involve

If additional road security is required, in case of an accident, or if two or more vehicles are damaged

Whom to involve

Road police GIBDD (102)

Who needs to call

Fleet (driver/manager) or any witness

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: only temporarily

Pattern: only temporarily

Size: only temporarily

Third-party costs

  • Sometimes
    (you may be fined for not following the regulations)
  • Handled via Conti360° after prior guarantee of payment from fleet

Legal authority

GIBDD branch of Ministry of Internal Affairs

http://tiny.cc/360russia


Serbia [RS]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+43 362 272 300 811

Emergency:
194 or 112

Police:
192 or 112

When to involve

Only if additional road security is required

Whom to involve

AMSS Traffic information center (+381 11 1987)

Who needs to call

Fleet (driver/manager) or service partner

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: only temporarily

Pattern: only temporarily

Size: only temporarily

Third-party costs

  • Yes
  • Handled via Conti360° after prior guarantee of payment from fleet

Legal authority

Zakon o bezbednosti saobraćaja na putevima

http://tiny.cc/360serbia


Slovakia [SK]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+420 577 513 696

Emergency:
155 or 112

Police:
158 or 112

When to involve

Only if additional road security is required

Whom to involve

Highways: Assistance service (800 100 007)

All other roads: Police

Who needs to call

Service partner

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: only temporarily

Pattern: only temporarily

Size: only temporarily

Third-party costs

  • No

Legal authority

Roads Act (cestný zákon) No. 135/1961 Zb.


Slovenia [SI]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+43 362 272 300 811

Emergency:
112

Police:
113 or 112

When to involve

DARS highway*: Always, towage mandatory to either next rest area for minor repair or workshop of choice

Whom to involve
First call Conti360° Hotline for advice on next steps and partner involvement.

Conti360° will then involve DARS via DARS Traffic information center (1970). Fleets should leave the communication regarding required service and partner involvements between Conti360° and DARS at all times.

Who needs to call

Fleet (driver/manager) or Conti360° Hotline

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: only temporarily

Pattern: only temporarily

Size: only temporarily

Third-party costs

  • Sometimes
    (only on DARS highways)
  • Handled via Conti360° after prior guarantee of payment from fleet

Legal authority
Roads Act (ZCes-1) and the Road Traffic Rules Act (ZPrCP)

DARS:
http://tiny.cc/360slovenia

*The removal of obstacles from highways/roadways, roadside assistance services, and mobile crane operation services, are divided into nine territorial zones - areas of DARS motorway bases: 
zone no. 1 – ACB Postojna: Žonta d.o.o., Avtovleka Jerneja Kopitar s.p.
zone no. 2 – ACB Slovenske Konjice: Žonta d.o.o., Enes Draganovic s.p.
zone no. 3 – ACB Ljubljana: Avtovleka Jerneja Kopitar s.p., Avtovleka Požar d.o.o.
zone no. 4 – ACB Hrušica: AMZS d.d., Junik M d.o.o.
zone no. 5 – ACB Maribor: Žonta d.o.o., Enes Draganovic s.p.
zone no. 6 – ACB Kozina: Avtovleka Jerneja Kopitar s.p., AMZS d.d.
zone no. 7 – ACB Vransko: Žonta d.o.o., Enes Draganovic s.p.
zone no. 8 – ACB Novo mesto: Žonta d.o.o., Avtovleka Jerneja Kopitar s.p.
zone no. 9 – ACB Murska Sobota: AMZS d.d., Enes Draganovic s.p.

The chosen service providers for each zone will be treated equally by DARS d.d., which will assign them in the specific order.

Spain [ES]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+34 902 111 408

Emergency:
061 or 112

Police:
091 or 112

When to involve

ALL Public Roads

Towing mandatory unless

  • Vehicle Rescue Service entails less time than towing the vehicle
  • Vehicle Rescue Service should be absolutely necessary to remove the affected vehicle.

Whom to involve
Assistance service by calling (112)

Who needs to call

Fleet (driver/manager) or service partner

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: only temporarily

Pattern: only temporarily

Size: only temporarily

Third-party costs

  • Sometimes
    (securing the breakdown location is usually free of charge, towing can cause extra cost)
    Some companies may invoice the fleet or their insurance company directly.
  • Handled via Conti360° after prior guarantee of payment from fleet

Legal authority
Ministerio de Fomento
www.fomento.gob.es


Sweden [SE]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+46 31 775 80 99

Emergency:
112

Police:
112

When to involve

Specific roads*: Always mandatory

All other roads: only if additional road security is required, at own discretion

Whom to involve
Service company with TMA vehicle

Who needs to call

Service partner

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: allowed

Pattern: allowed

Size: only temporarily

Third-party costs

  • Yes
  • Handled via Conti360° after prior guarantee of payment from fleet

Legal authority
Arbetsmiljöverket (Swedish Work Environment Authority)

http://tiny.cc/360sweden

*Road E4 – from interchange Hyttön to interchange Tönnebro
Road E16 – from interchange Gustavsbro to interchange Tegelbruket
Road E18 – Värmland county border to Västmanland county border
Road E20 – Västa Götalands county border to Västmanland county border
Highway 49 – Olshammar (501) to Rude (50)
Highway 50 – Ötergötlands county border to Dalarna county border
Highway 51 – Östergötlands county border to interchange 104 (E20)
Highway 52 – Södermalms county border to Kopparberg (50)
Highway 63 – Värmland county border to Kopparberg (50)
Highway 68 – Lindesberg (50) to Västmanland county border
Road 204 – Värmland county border to interchange Lanna (E18)
Road 205 – Askersund (50) to Laxå (E20); Laxå (E20) to Degerfors (555); Degerfors (548) to Gälleråsen (237)
Road 207 – Örebro (51.01.) to Odensbacken (52)
Road 244 – interchange Lilla Mo (50) to Hammaren (63)
Road 249 – Rya (50) to Västmandsland county border
Road 517 – Askersund (50) to interchange 104 Vretstorp (E20)
Road 529 – Sandstubbetorp (E20) to interchange Vretstorp (E20); Östansjö to Hallsberg; Hallsberg to Kumla (646/641)
Road 733 – Örebro to Garphyttan (746)
Road 744 – Örebro to Gölfallet (746)

Switzerland [CH]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
+41 447 455 732

Emergency:
144 or 112

Police:
117 or 112

When to involve

Always

Whom to involve
Police

Who needs to call

Service partner

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: only temporarily

Pattern: only temporarily

Size: only temporarily

Third-party costs

  • No

Legal authority
There is no legal base but calling the police is a measure for safety. It is always required when heavy vehicles are involved in a highway breakdown.


United Kingdom [UK]

3RD PARTIESFITMENT RESTRICTIONSMORE INFORMATION

Conti360° Hotline:
0800 281 405

Emergency:
999 or 112

Police:
999 or 112

When to involve
Only if additional road security is required

Whom to involve
Highway authorities 
(0300 123 5000)
or police

Who needs to call
Service partner

Mixed tires per axle

Brand: allowed

Pattern: allowed

Size: only temporarily

Third-party costs

  • No

Legal authority
The Secretary of State for Transport
http://tiny.cc/360uk

Guidance
The use of a warning triangle is not permitted on motorways.


 

This manual constitutes a good faith service offering by Continental reflecting decades of experience and is continuously revised. However, it does not represent an official source for the relevant information and Continental does not make, and expressly disclaims, any representation or warranty (express or implied) as to the information enclosed herein being accurate, complete or up-to-date. Consequentially, Continental shall have no liability resulting from the use of these information or for any errors, omissions or misstatements expressed or made by any of them. 

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