supercilious cop

[sstabeler]

In many cases, a broken-down car *is* a hazard - any time you come to a halt away from a recognised parking spot.

hence not JUST a broken-down car. It was a reference to the OP calling them emergency lights. And around here, being outside a recognised parking spot isn't necessary. ( the lights are really for if the car's stuck in the actual driving lane, although by convention, you put the lights on if you are broken down by the side of the road. If you've parked outside a recognised parking spot ( which is quite common) then the hazards aren't necessary.