Breakdowns

By the end of this topic you can

• You can get a broken-down car to a place of relative safety where possible.
• You can use hazard warning lights and a warning triangle correctly.
• You can follow the go left, get safe, get help steps on a motorway.
• You can explain what to do if you cannot get out of the car safely.
• You can deal with a breakdown on a level crossing.

What you need to know and understand

• Try to stop in a place of relative safety, such as a service area, lay-by or emergency area. Hard shoulders are less protected because they are close to fast traffic (Highway Code rule 275).
• On ordinary roads, use hazard warning lights if you are causing an obstruction, and place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind your car on the same side of the road (rule 276).
• Never use a warning triangle on a motorway (rules 276 and 277).
• Do not stand between your vehicle and oncoming traffic (rule 276).
• On a motorway, if you cannot get out safely, stay in the car with your seat belt on and hazard lights on, and call 999 for the police (rule 277).
• Do not attempt repairs on a motorway, and do not return to your vehicle once you are behind the barrier (rule 277).
• To rejoin from an emergency area you MUST use the emergency telephone and follow the operator's advice (rule 278).

Breaking down on an ordinary road

If the car starts to fail, signal and pull off the road if you can, for example into a lay-by, side road or car park. Think of other road users first.

• Switch on hazard warning lights if you are an obstruction.
• Keep sidelights on if it is dark or visibility is poor.
• Wear light or fluorescent clothing by day and reflective clothing at night if you have it.
• Place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind, on the same side of the road, if it is safe to do so.
• Keep everyone away from the traffic side and do not stand where you block your lights.
• Call a breakdown service, or 999 if you are in danger.

On a motorway or high-speed road: go left, get safe, get help

If a problem develops, leave at the next exit or pull into a service area if you can. If not, follow these steps.

1. Go left: move into the left lane and onto the hard shoulder or into an emergency area. Stop as far left as possible with your wheels turned left, ideally just beyond an emergency telephone.
2. Switch on hazard lights, and sidelights if it is dark or visibility is poor.
3. Get safe: leave the car by the door furthest from traffic, if safe, and get passengers out the same way. Go behind the safety barrier and keep away from the car and the traffic.
4. Get help: use the free emergency telephone or call a breakdown service, facing the traffic as you talk.
5. If you cannot get out safely, stay in the car with seat belts and hazard lights on and call 999 for the police, or press your car's SOS button.

Telling people where you are

Emergency services need your exact location. On motorways and other high-speed roads, use the numbers and letters on marker posts or driver location signs at the roadside, a mapping app on your phone, or your car's SOS (eCall) button if it has one (rule 277).

Breaking down on a level crossing

Get everyone out of the car and clear of the crossing immediately. Use the railway telephone if there is one and follow the instructions. Only try to move the car if there is time before a train comes. If the alarm sounds or the amber light comes on, leave the car and get clear at once (rule 299).

Common mistakes

• Putting a warning triangle on a motorway. Never do this.
• Waiting in the car on the hard shoulder when you could get out safely. Get behind the barrier.
• Standing behind the car where traffic could push it into you. Stand well away.
• Running out of fuel or charge. Check before every journey, especially on motorways (rule 97).

Test yourself: Breakdowns

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down