Many drivers, including Portuguese ones, will have noticed cars in other countries with a white cloth tied to the rear view mirror. Despite being seen as a sign of emergency, this gesture does not have any legal recognition in Portuguese territory. In the Portuguese Highway Code (CE), the white scarf is not considered an authorized warning, and the use of regulatory devices is mandatory.
When a car is immobilized due to a breakdown or accident, the legislation imposes clear procedures: activate the emergency lights, place the warning triangle at least 30 meters from the vehicle (so that it is visible from 100 meters) and wear the retro-reflective vest. These obligations are defined in articles 63 and 88 (paragraphs 2 to 4) of the EC. Furthermore, as long as the vehicle is not removed, the hazard lights must remain on and all signs clearly visible, as established in article 87, paragraph 3.
The National Road Safety Authority reminds us that ignoring these rules can be expensive: fines vary between 60 and 300 euros for the absence of mandatory equipment and between 120 and 600 euros for misuse, such as incorrect placement of the warning triangle.
The case of Spain
In Spain, the use of white cloth is legal, according to the digital newspaper specializing in automobiles El Motor. The Spanish Highway Code provides that, in emergency situations, when a vehicle is temporarily used as emergency transport, the driver can use the horn, emergency lights (if they have them) or even wave a white cloth out the window.
Even so, the driver is not exempt from complying with traffic rules. This practice is only a visual complement and does not replace official emergency signs, says the same source.
Practice in the United States
In the United States, the white cloth is a very common sign and is of great practical use. When a car is stopped on the side of the road due to a breakdown or need for assistance, the driver can tie a white cloth to the rear-view mirror to indicate that the vehicle has not been abandoned and that he plans to return.
The gesture serves to prevent undue removals and alerts both the authorities and other drivers.
Another meaning in other states
In some states, such as Minnesota, this sign has yet another meaning: it may indicate that the driver or passenger suffered a health problem and needed to stop immediately.
While moving, a white towel or handkerchief coming out of the window could mean that someone inside the vehicle needs urgent medical help, asking for priority on the road, although, according to the same source, this does not replace official emergency signs.
An alternative and curious use
There are also those who use white plastic bags to cover rear-view mirrors. The purpose is different: to ward off certain birds that attack mirrors when they see their own reflection, believing it to be another invading animal.
A simple gesture, but full of meaning
Whether in Spain, the United States or other countries, the white scarf functions as an improvised emergency warning or temporary sign of need, according to . In Portugal, however, this gesture has no legal validity, and only strict compliance with the EC guarantees safety and avoids fines.
Curiosity about the topic
Few know that the use of white cloth on vehicles has ancient symbolic roots, similar to the white flag used in wars as a sign of surrender or a request for help.
However, there is also a modern curiosity: during Hurricane Katrina, in the United States, in 2005, many drivers stuck on the highways tied white cloths to their mirrors as a ransom, a gesture that ended up inspiring road safety campaigns in the country in the following years.
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