What should you do if you break down on a motorway?

Breaking down is stressful at the best of times. On a motorway, with fast-moving traffic around you, it can feel much more daunting.

The most important thing is to get yourself, your passengers and your vehicle to the safest possible place.

Here’s what to do if your car develops a problem on the motorway.

If your car is still moving

If you notice something is wrong but the car is still driveable, try to leave the motorway at the next junction or pull into a service area.

The Highway Code says a service area is the safest place to stop on a motorway or other high speed road. If you cannot reach one, an emergency area or hard shoulder can provide a place of relative safety. (GOV.UK⁠)

If you need to move across lanes, do so carefully and progressively rather than making any sudden manoeuvres.

If you cannot leave the motorway

Move into the left hand lane and, if possible, pull into an emergency area or onto the hard shoulder. Stop as far to the left as you safely can and turn your wheels towards the left. Switch on your hazard warning lights. If it is dark or visibility is poor, put your sidelights on too. (GOV.UK⁠)

If you are in an emergency area and there is an emergency telephone nearby, stopping just beyond it can make it easier to get help.

Should you get out of the car?

If you have reached a safe place and it is safe to leave the vehicle, you and your passengers should get out using the side furthest away from traffic. Move well away from the vehicle and behind a safety barrier if there is one.

Do not stand next to the car or between the vehicle and moving traffic. A stationary vehicle can be struck by another vehicle, so putting as much safe distance between you and the carriageway as possible is important. (GOV.UK⁠) If you have high-visibility clothing within easy reach, wear it.

What if you break down in a live lane?

This is the situation most drivers understandably worry about. If you cannot reach the left hand lane or another place of relative safety, and you cannot safely get out of the vehicle, stay inside.

Keep your seat belt on, switch on your hazard warning lights and call 999 immediately, asking for the police. If your vehicle has an SOS button, you can use that instead. (GOV.UK⁠) Do not try to cross live motorway lanes to reach safety.

What about smart motorways?

The same basic principle applies: if possible, get away from moving traffic. If there is no hard shoulder, aim for the next motorway exit, service area or emergency area if your vehicle can reach one safely. Emergency areas are marked with orange SOS signs.

If you stop in a live lane and cannot safely leave the vehicle, stay inside with your seat belt fastened, keep your hazard lights on and call 999. (RAC⁠)

Should you put out a warning triangle?

Not on a motorway. Although warning triangles can be used on some other roads, the Highway Code specifically says they should never be placed on a motorway. (GOV.UK⁠)

It is also not the time to investigate under the bonnet, change a tyre or try to carry out roadside repairs. Wait somewhere safe for professional assistance instead.

How do you tell someone where you are?

When you contact your breakdown provider or the emergency services, give them as much information about your location as possible. Useful details include the motorway you are travelling on, your direction of travel and the nearest junction.

You may also see small marker posts or larger driver location signs at the side of the motorway. The numbers and letters on these can help identify exactly where you are. Your phone’s mapping app can also help you pinpoint your position. (GOV.UK⁠)

Travelling with children or pets

If children are travelling with you, keep them well away from the carriageway and under close supervision. Pets need particular care. The Highway Code advises that animals should normally be kept inside the vehicle or, in an emergency, kept under control on the verge. (GOV.UK⁠)

That may feel counterintuitive when everyone else is moving away from the car, but an animal escaping onto a motorway creates an additional and extremely dangerous situation.

A few things worth keeping in your car

You cannot prevent every breakdown, but a few simple items can make waiting for help a little easier. A high visibility jacket, torch, charged power bank and warm layer are all useful things to keep somewhere accessible.

Just remember that nothing stored in the boot is worth putting yourself in danger to retrieve.

The key thing to remember

If something goes wrong on the motorway, think left, safe, help. Move left and get away from the carriageway if you safely can. Get yourself and your passengers somewhere safe.

Then contact your breakdown provider, or call 999 immediately if your vehicle is stranded in a live lane, you cannot safely leave it or you are otherwise in danger.

A motorway breakdown can be frightening, but knowing what to do beforehand can make those first few minutes much easier to manage.