Code 60

What is Code 60?

Code 60 is a modern track safety procedure: when there is a hazard, every car is immediately limited to 60 km/h. Unlike a classic yellow flag or a safety car, the race is not stopped or neutralised – the running order stays intact, but everyone is slow enough to pass the incident safely.

Where it is used

Code 60 is increasingly used in 24-hour races, GT series and at circuits such as Spa, the Nürburgring and Le Mans. The advantage over a safety car: no break in the racing and no artificial bunching of the field. The drawback: it is a less drastic intervention for major incidents. A Code 60 zone applies to one sector only – once you leave it, you can go back to full speed.

How it is monitored

Onboard GPS and telemetry measure the speed of every car. Anyone going too fast picks up an automatic penalty, from a drive-through to a stop and go. Driver discipline is high, because everyone knows the system is watching. Code 60 is a more elegant solution than the safety car and continues to spread.

Code 60 at events

Code 60 is not typical at ESC track days, which need it far less often than a 24-hour race. It does become relevant at competitive track days with a licence requirement. Our coaches explain the rule in the briefing. Build your racing knowledge.