Direct answer: On dual carriageways, vehicles that require flashing amber beacons are typically slow-moving or stationary works, maintenance, recovery, or certain support vehicles, such as snow ploughs, salt spreaders, or traffic officers, rather than everyday cars. The amber beacon signals to other drivers to expect a slower vehicle or hazard ahead and to pass with caution.

Details and context

• The Highway Code and related guidance designate flashing amber beacons for specific slow-moving or stationary vehicles on roads, including dual carriageways, to warn other road users and improve safety. This typically includes maintenance or enforcement support vehicles, recovery trucks, snow ploughs, or similar equipment.

• The presence of an amber beacon indicates a hazard or reduced speed ahead; drivers should slow down, keep a safe distance, and be prepared for unexpected obstructions or slower traffic.

Common myths and clarifications

• It is not limited to emergency vehicles; not every slow-moving vehicle on a dual carriageway must have a beacon, but certain categories of vehicles operating under specific conditions do. When you see an amber beacon, anticipate the possibility of sudden braking or lane changes and respond accordingly.

• The beacon should be clearly visible from the front, rear, and sides and must be fitted to the vehicle in a way that is not mistaken for an indicator light.

If you’d like, I can pull the exact current rule references or provide a quick practice question to test understanding of amber beacons on dual carriageways.