Motorists urged to remember hard shoulder rule on motorways
The majority of motorways have hard shoulders but it's important to know how to use them correctly, if you ever need them. The misuse of hard shoulders on motorways can result in fines and three penalty points added to your licence. Motoring specialists at Showplates World[1] explain: "The hard shoulder is not for convenience stops or short breaks.
Unless it's a genuine emergency, using it can put you and other drivers at serious risk. "The penalties include three points on your licence and a fine that can rise if the offence is considered more serious." Despite them being around for a long time, the specialists say the hard shoulder is one of the most misunderstood areas of motorways.
They said many drivers mistakenly think it can be used as a safe space to check directions, make phone calls or take a quick rest but that is not the case as it must only be used for breakdowns or emergencies. Showplates World added: "Stopping unnecessarily on the hard shoulder is extremely dangerous. "Cars pass by at high speeds, and stationary vehicles create sudden hazards.
The rules are there to protect drivers from potentially fatal accidents."
What happens if you stop on a hard shoulder when it's not an emergency?
If you misuse a hard shoulder, you can expect:
- A GBP100 fixed penalty and three points are the usual outcome for illegal stops.
- In more severe cases, particularly if misuse causes danger or leads to an accident, offenders may be taken to court, where fines can be much higher.
- Penalty points increase insurance premiums and stay on your record for four years.
Common hard shoulder mistakes motorists make
Common examples of misusing a hard shoulder include:
- Pulling onto the hard shoulder to answer a phone call or text
- Stopping briefly to check a sat nav or re-route a journey
- Using the shoulder as a place to rest or swap drivers
- Treating it as an extra lane in heavy traffic
Showplates World warns: "It might feel harmless if you only stop for a moment, but all it takes is one approaching vehicle not to react in time. The hard shoulder is one of the most dangerous places you can be outside of an emergency."
How does a smart motorway work?
On some smart motorways, the hard shoulder can be opened as a live lane during busy periods. Overhead signs make it clear when this is allowed.
However, stopping in these areas remains restricted to emergencies only. 
How to avoid fines and penalty points on a motorway
If you'd like to avoid these consequences, the experts advise you to:
- Plan ahead making sure you have enough fuel, refreshments and rest before long journeys
- Use service stations if you need to stop for a break
- Check signs - on smart motorways, only use the hard shoulder as a lane if overhead gantries indicate it is open
- Treat hard shoulders as off-limits - Unless your car has broken down or there is a genuine emergency, never pull over on a motorway
What does a hard shoulder look like?
A hard shoulder is located on the left of the motorway and is indicated by a solid white line on the road.
The Highway Code[2] says: "You MUST NOT use a hard shoulder except in an emergency or if directed to do so by the police, traffic officers or a traffic sign." It adds: "The hard shoulder is used as an extra lane on some motorways during periods of congestion. A red 'X' or blank sign above the hard shoulder means that you MUST NOT use the hard shoulder except in an emergency.
"You can only use the hard shoulder as an extra lane when a speed limit is shown above the hard shoulder. Recommended reading: "Where the hard shoulder is being used as an extra lane, emergency areas are provided for use in an emergency".
Showplates World advises: "Think of the hard shoulder as a lifeline. It is there for emergencies only -- not convenience. Using it correctly could save lives."
It added: "Motorway rules are designed to protect everyone.
Respecting the hard shoulder is one of the simplest ways to avoid fines, points, and potentially life-threatening situations."
References
- ^ Showplates World (www.showplatesworld.com)
- ^ Highway Code (www.gov.uk)