What to do if you break down on the motorway

Suffering a car breakdown can be a stressful situation – and even more so on a motorway. That's why it's important to stay calm and follow some important steps to stay safe. 

This driving advice guide tells you what you should do in the event of a breakdown on a motorway, how your breakdown provider can help and how to rejoin the motorway safely.

Remember, if you find yourself in a serious breakdown situation that puts you in immediate danger contact the emergency services by calling 999.

Car breakdown on the motorway – what should I do?

If you breakdown on the UK’s motorway network then you should take the following steps to stay safe:

• Move your vehicle off the motorway by exiting at the next junction. If you cannot exit the motorway, pull onto the hard shoulder as far left as you can
• Park the vehicle, switch on your hazard warning lights and turn your steering wheel left to angle the wheels away from traffic
• Ensure everyone exits the vehicle through the left-hand doors, away from moving traffic
• If possible, everyone should wear high visibility clothing, such as a hi-vis vest
• Climb over the safety barrier and stand well away from the road
• Contact your breakdown provider and wait for assistance in a safe location. If you feel you are in immediate danger, call the emergency services by dialling 999

Broken down on the motorway? Contact the RAC or report your breakdown online

• Both members and non-members can call us on 0333 2000 999 for immediate help if you have suffered a breakdown on the motorway. We can help you, even if you've broken down without cover
• Alternatively, you can report your breakdown online or by using the myRAC app
• If a mobile phone isn’t available, walk to the nearest emergency roadside phone. These are spaced approximately one mile apart and are free to use
• When using the emergency roadside phone, stand facing oncoming traffic while using the phone and let the operator know if you have any specific needs or circumstances

What shouldn’t you do if you break down on the motorway

• Do not attempt to fix any issues on your own at the roadside
• Never stand on the carriageway or between your broken-down vehicle and other vehicles passing by

Broken down on the motorway without cover

The RAC can send trusted patrols to fix your car, motorcycle, van, or other vehicle, even if you don’t have breakdown cover. Simply call our non-member helpline on 0330 159 8743.

It’s important that you don’t buy RAC breakdown cover online if you have already broken down. If you purchase online, then RAC patrols won’t be able to come out and repair your vehicle.

• Common breakdown problems – your complete guide
• Broken down without cover? Here is what you’ll need to do
• What to do if your car breaks down – RAC’s definitive guide

What to do if you break down in motorway roadworks

If you break down in motorway roadworks, your safety is the top priority – so being prepared is vitally important.

• Try to steer your vehicle out of the traffic lane and between the cones, onto the hard shoulder or as far left as possible
• Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers
• Contact National Highways on 0300 123 5000. If you feel you are in danger, contact the emergency services by calling 999
• If it’s safe to do so, exit your vehicle on the left-hand side away from traffic, and move behind any safety barriers or away from the roadworks area to avoid passing vehicles and construction equipment
• Do not attempt any repairs yourself, as the roadworks area can be hazardous with narrow lanes and reduced visibility
• Call for professional assistance – contact your breakdown provider or use an emergency roadside phone if you don’t have a mobile signal.

How does free motorway recovery work?

Free motorway recovery is a service where a breakdown recovery company will tow your vehicle off the motorway to a safe location without charge, usually under certain conditions.

If your car breaks down on a motorway, roadside recovery operators will attend the scene to help the stranded driver.

Their priority is to get your vehicle off the live carriageway quickly to reduce congestion and improve safety.

This ‘free recovery’ actually means they’ll move your car from the hard shoulder or emergency refuge area to a safe spot nearby, such as a service area or the next motorway exit.

However, this service usually only involves moving your vehicle a short distance to clear the motorway. Any further repairs or breakdown service incur a charge. This where you’ll need to contact your provider.

How to rejoin a motorway safely

Once your vehicle has been repaired and you're ready to get moving again, it's essential to rejoin the motorway with caution.

If you’re on the hard shoulder, before merging back onto the motorway, you must accelerate and reach a safe speed - ideally above 50mph - so you can rejoin the flow of traffic smoothly. It’s important not to attempt to merge at a low speed, as this can be dangerous.

Use your mirrors and check over your shoulder to identify a suitable gap in the traffic. Always be patient to find a safe opportunity to merge.

You'll also need to use your right indicator well in advance to let other drivers know your intention to rejoin the carriageway. 

Keep in mind that other vehicles may also be stopped on the hard shoulder, especially on smart motorways. 

However, if you’ve stopped in an emergency refuge area on a smart motorway, you should only leave when the lane markings show it’s safe to do so or when directed by a motorway traffic officer.

When are you allowed to stop on the motorway?

You are only allowed to stop on a motorway in an emergency or if your vehicle has broken down - never stop in live lanes or on the central reservation.

Remember, stopping for non-emergencies, such as rest breaks or phone calls, is illegal and extremely dangerous on motorways.