UK motorway breakdown rules

A car expert explains the specific circumstances where remaining in your vehicle with your seatbelt on is the safest option during a breakdown

01:00, 14 Dec 2025Updated 07:14, 14 Dec 2025

There are few things more frustrating than being caught out by a car breakdown whilst dashing between Christmas[1] shopping trips or juggling work commitments and festive visits. Winter months place extra strain on vehicles, with freezing temperatures[2] taking their toll on batteries, tyres and other crucial components[3].

Yet a recent AA survey[4] revealed just 82% of motorists would call for assistance on a smart motorway.[5] An even smaller proportion would leave their vehicle on a smart motorway (76%) compared to traditional routes (83%).

This is despite the heightened risk posed by the absence of a hard shoulder. Lee Caroline, a motoring expert at car scrap firm LJC Autospares[6] , stresses the importance of knowing the correct procedure when your vehicle breaks down unexpectedly.

When staying in your car is important

Whilst exiting your vehicle is generally advisable when it's safe to do so, there are circumstances where remaining inside is the wiser choice.

Lee outlines the proper course of action for drivers facing this scenario, reports Surrey Live[7].

Can't reach the hard shoulder or get out safely

"Staying in your seat with the belt fastened is the safest option if the car stops in a live lane and you can't move left. If you can't reach the hard shoulder, keep the hazards on and call 999.

"For disabled drivers who can't exit safely, remaining inside the vehicle and speaking to emergency services is the right action. On smart motorways, if the car comes to a halt away from the verge, staying put and phoning 999 immediately is the safest option that keeps you out of danger."

What to do when you break down

According to the Lee there are several things you should do if your vehicle breaks down

• Keep calm and exit the car - "Keeping calm helps you act quickly, and steering as far left as possible reduces the chance of passing traffic coming too close.

  Stepping out through the left-hand door keeps you away from fast moving vehicles, and hi-vis clothing makes you easier to see in poor conditions."

• Turn on your sidelights - "When visibility is low, sidelights make the car easier to spot, which is especially helpful on dark or rural routes."

• Contact a breakdown provider - "Calling a breakdown provider once you are safe reduces the time you need to wait at the roadside. Standing well away from the vehicle, and never between it and oncoming traffic, lowers the risk of further harm."
• On motorways and smart motorways - "Leaving the motorway at the next exit or pulling into a service station is the safest option, but if you can't do this, stopping as far left on the hard shoulder as possible reduces the risk from passing traffic and waiting behind the safety barrier keeps you safe. Emergency telephones placed around a mile apart give breakdown teams a clear location to reach you."
• On smart motorways without a hard shoulder- "On smart motorways without a hard shoulder, heading for an emergency refuge area marked by an orange SOS signs gives you a secure place to stop.

  Using the emergency phone in the refuge area connects you directly to operators who can arrange support quickly, and waiting behind the barrier keeps you away from the live carriageway."

• On a country road - "On rural lanes, turning on hazard lights and pulling over as far as possible helps approaching drivers see that your vehicle has stopped, especially where sightlines are limited.

  Waiting off the road to a safe place avoids extra danger on narrow routes."

References

1. ^ Christmas (www.mirror.co.uk)
2. ^ freezing temperatures (www.mirror.co.uk)
3. ^ batteries, tyres and other crucial components (www.mirror.co.uk)
4. ^ AA survey (www.carsupermarket.com)
5. ^ smart motorway. (www.mirror.co.uk)
6. ^ LJC Autospares (ljcautospares.co.uk)
7. ^ Surrey Live (www.getsurrey.co.uk)