Guide
Broken down on the motorway? What to do
1. Get off the motorway if you can
If you notice a problem, try to leave at the next junction or reach a motorway service area. If you can't, aim for an emergency area or the hard shoulder (where there is one).
2. Stop as far left as possible
Turn your wheels to the left, switch on hazard lights, and at night or in fog keep sidelights on.
3. Get out on the left and behind the barrier
Leave by the left-hand doors if it's safe. Leave animals in the vehicle. Stand behind the safety barrier, upstream of your vehicle (towards oncoming traffic, so the vehicle won't hit you if struck). Don't place a warning triangle on a motorway.
4. If you're stuck in a live lane
Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on and hazards on, and call 999 immediately. National Highways can close lanes and set red X signs.
5. Who to call
Once you're safe, call us on the number above. Tell us the motorway, direction, the junctions you're between and the number on the nearest marker post (the small blue posts every 100m). If you're on a smart motorway and can use an SOS phone in an emergency area, do so.
Get out on the left, stand behind the barrier and away from traffic. If you're stopped in a live lane, stay belted in with hazards on and call 999 first. Then call us. Full motorway safety guide
What happens when you call
Three steps to getting moving again
- You call, we listen
Tell us where you are, your vehicle and what happened. We'll check you're safe first.
- Upfront price & arrival time
You get a clear, agreed price before we set off - no hidden fees - and a realistic arrival estimate. We aim to be with you within 45 minutes.
- Fixed or recovered
We fix it at the roadside where we safely can. If not, we recover your vehicle to home, a garage of your choice or a safe place.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Which way should I walk after breaking down on the motorway?
Stand behind the barrier, slightly upstream (towards the traffic coming at you) of your vehicle. Don't walk along the carriageway.
Should I stay in my car on the hard shoulder?
No - unless you can't get out safely. Get out on the left and wait behind the barrier.
What do I do if I break down on a smart motorway?
Try to reach an emergency area (orange surface, blue SOS sign). If you stop in a live lane, stay belted in with hazards on and call 999.
Broken down in East Midlands? Call now.
We aim to reach you within 45 minutes. Low, upfront prices - agreed before we set off, no hidden fees.