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uk Transport & mobility emergencies

What to do if…
your vehicle breaks down on a high-speed road

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Move left and try to reach an exit, service area, lay-by, emergency area or hard shoulder. If you cannot reach relative safety or cannot get out safely, keep everyone belted in, switch on the hazard warning lights and call 999 for the police.

Do not do these things

  • Do not stop in a live traffic lane unless the vehicle cannot safely continue.
  • Do not get out if you cannot move well away from the vehicle and moving traffic.
  • Do not attempt repairs or change a tyre while exposed to fast-moving traffic.
  • Do not place a warning triangle on a motorway or step into the carriageway to place one.
  • Do not stand between the vehicle and approaching traffic.
  • Do not stand where the vehicle could be forced into you if another vehicle hits it.
  • On a motorway, do not return to the vehicle while waiting once you are safely away from it.
  • Do not allow children to move near the carriageway.

What to do now

  1. If the vehicle can still move, go left. Leave at the next exit or enter a service area if possible. Otherwise, pull into a lay-by, emergency area or hard shoulder.
  2. Stop as far left as possible, leaving room to get out on the side furthest from traffic. Turn the wheels to the left and switch on the hazard warning lights. Use sidelights as well when it is dark or visibility is poor.
  3. If it is safe and possible to leave, make sure everyone exits on the side furthest from traffic. Put on high-visibility clothing if it is within easy reach, then move well away from the vehicle and traffic.
  4. Get behind a safety barrier where one is available, but first check for drops, uneven ground or debris beyond it. Keep passengers away from the carriageway and children under close control.
  5. On a motorway, keep animals in the vehicle unless there is an emergency. If they must be removed, keep them under control on the verge and well away from traffic.
  6. If you cannot reach a place of relative safety, cannot leave safely, or a disability prevents you from following the exit advice, stay inside with seat belts and hazard warning lights on. Call 999 immediately, ask for the police and explain that you are stopped on a high-speed road. You can use the vehicle’s SOS button instead if it connects to the emergency services.
  7. Give your road number, direction of travel and any nearby junction. You can also quote a marker post or driver location sign, or use a mobile mapping app to identify your position.
  8. When you are safely clear of traffic, use a roadside emergency telephone where one is available and contact a breakdown recovery service. Face approaching traffic while using the telephone so you can remain alert.
  9. If you are in an emergency area, use its telephone and follow the operator’s instructions before attempting to rejoin the road.
  10. Wait well away from the vehicle and moving traffic. Follow signs and instructions from the police, emergency services or road officials.

What can wait

You do not need to diagnose the fault, repair the vehicle, decide whether it can be driven again or reorganise the rest of the journey now. Insurance, costs, complaints and collecting non-essential belongings can wait until everyone is away from moving traffic and assistance is arranged.

Important reassurance

You are not expected to fix the vehicle beside a high-speed road. Focus only on reducing your exposure to traffic, giving your location and getting appropriate help.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate safety after a breakdown on a motorway or another high-speed road. Recovery, repairs, insurance and decisions about continuing the journey may require help from a breakdown provider, vehicle professional or insurer.

Important note

This is general road-safety information, not legal or professional advice. Follow current road signs and signals and any instructions from the police, emergency services or road officials.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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