Broken down on a motorway?
What to do.

If you can, get off the motorway

If your vehicle is struggling but still moving, try to reach the next exit or motorway services. A safe place off the motorway is always better than stopping on it.

If you have to stop

• Pull over as far to the left as you can, onto the hard shoulder or into an emergency area, and turn your wheels to the left, away from the carriageway.
• Switch on your hazard lights. Do not put out a warning triangle on a motorway.
• Leave the vehicle by the left-hand door, with your passengers, and take your keys and phone.
• Wait well away from the vehicle and the traffic, behind the barrier if there is one, up the bank where it is safe.
• Leave pets in the vehicle if it is not safe to take them with you, and do not let children wander.

Smart motorways with no hard shoulder

Look for an emergency area, which has an orange surface and an SOS telephone. If you cannot reach one, switch on your hazard lights. If you cannot safely get out, stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on and call 999. If you can get out safely, leave by the left, get behind the barrier and call for help.

Get help

If you are in danger, call 999. Otherwise, use the orange SOS telephone if there is one, because it tells the control room exactly where you are, or send us your location and details. Do not try to repair the vehicle on the motorway, and do not stand between your vehicle and the traffic.

Before you set off

A few checks prevent many breakdowns: tyre condition and pressures, oil and coolant levels, fuel, and a charged phone. If a warning light comes on, do not ignore it.