What signal should you use if your vehicle breaks down on a motorway?

Using a white flag or cloth to signal a breakdown on a motorway is recognized as a clear and universal way to indicate that your vehicle has issues and that you may need assistance. This method is easily visible to other drivers and emphasizes the seriousness of your situation. The white signal communicates that you are not just parked, but rather in a breakdown scenario, which is crucial for safety on busy motorways where quick recognition can help prevent accidents.

In contrast, other signals such as headlights, horn, or flashing hazard lights may not convey the same urgency or condition of a breakdown. Optionally turning on headlights may not be noticeable enough to other drivers or may be confused with regular driving behavior. Intermittently using the horn is not standard practice for signaling distress and could confuse other road users. Flashing hazard lights can alert drivers to a potential issue, but they do not specifically indicate a vehicle in distress on a busy motorway. Therefore, hanging a white signal is the most effective and understood method to communicate your situation in this context.