Step by step
Move towards relative safety
If the vehicle still moves, leave the carriageway at the next exit or reach a service area, emergency area or hard shoulder. Move left and stop as far left as possible.
Make the vehicle visible
Use hazard warning lights and, in darkness or poor visibility, sidelights. Never place a warning triangle on a motorway.
Get people away from traffic when safe
Exit from the side furthest from traffic if safe and wait well behind a barrier. Do not stand between the vehicle and approaching traffic.
Call for appropriate help
Use an emergency telephone, SOS function or recovery service and give marker or location information. If you cannot reach safety or leave the vehicle safely, call 999 and ask for police.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Hazards switched on
- Safest reachable location used
- Passengers moved away from traffic if safe
- Exact location identified
- Recovery or emergency service contacted
Common problems
The vehicle stops in a live lane
Keep seatbelts on, switch hazards on and call 999 immediately. Do not attempt a repair in moving traffic.
A passenger cannot exit safely
Keep them restrained in the vehicle, explain vulnerability when calling 999 or using SOS, and follow emergency instructions.
UK sources and scope
Checked 27 September 2026. Details may vary by nation, provider and circumstances; follow the linked official or specialist source for the current position.