Driving on motorways

Know when you're driving on a smart motorway

Around 10 per cent of the motorway network is now made up of smart motorways. So it's important to be able to recognise their features and how they work together.

How do smart motorways work?

What are emergency areas for?

1. Go left 

• Move into the left lane 
• Pull into an emergency area, layby or onto a hard shoulder if you can
• Stop as far to the left as possible, leaving space to exit your vehicle and with your wheels turned to the left
• If you can, stop just beyond an emergency telephone
• Switch your hazard warning lights on
• If it’s dark or visibility is poor, use sidelights

2. Get safe

If it’s safe and possible to exit your vehicle:

• Exit your vehicle on the side furthest from the traffic, and ensure passengers do the same
• Put on high-visibility clothing if you have it and it’s within easy reach
• Get behind a safety barrier where there is one, but be aware of any unseen hazards such as sudden drops, uneven ground or debris
• Remain alert and aware of vehicles or debris coming towards you
• Keep passengers away from the carriageway and children under control
• Do not stand in a place where your vehicle could be forced into you if moving traffic collides with it
• Do not return to your vehicle even if it’s raining, cold or dark
• Do not attempt repairs on your vehicle
• Do not place a warning triangle on the carriageway 

Animals must be kept in the vehicle or, in an emergency, under control on the verge

If it’s not safe to exit your vehicle, because you can’t get your vehicle to the left lane or a place of relative safety:  

• Stay in your vehicle
• Keep your seatbelts and hazard warning lights on
• Call 999 immediately and ask for the police. Alternatively, press your SOS button if your vehicle has one and ask for the police. 

The emergency services can alert us, so we can close motorway lanes and send other help as required, such as a Traffic Officer.

3. Get help

If you’ve stopped in an emergency area, layby or on the hard shoulder: 

• Use the free emergency telephone (where provided) or a mobile phone to call National Highways on 0300 123 5000 to obtain advice and assistance
• Contact a breakdown recovery service
• Always face the traffic when you speak to remain aware of vehicles or debris coming towards you
• Inform them if you are a vulnerable motorist such as disabled, older or travelling alone
• Wait well away from your vehicle and moving traffic, behind the safety barrier where there is one

If you’re unable to exit your vehicle or if you’ve not stopped near a free emergency telephone:

• Call 999 immediately and ask for the police. Alternatively, press your SOS button if your vehicle has one and ask for the police.

What if I break down on a motorway?

What if I break down in a 'live' lane?

Help protect yourself and other drivers

Stay within the speed limit and keep left unless you’re overtaking. This helps to keep you and other road users safe, and to keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible.

Plan ahead. Check that your vehicle is safe and roadworthy, and that you have enough fuel for your journey. Remember to plan for breaks and don’t drive when you’re tired.

If you or anyone in your vehicle is unable to follow our breakdowns advice for any reason, stay in your vehicle, keep your seatbelts and hazard warning lights on and call 999 immediately.

Don't stop to assist another vehicle that has broken down or been involved in a collision. You may feel you want to help, but it's safer to call National Highways, or if there is an immediate risk to life call 999.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower for your vehicle

We've teamed up with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to create a free Sunflower for your vehicle. Displaying the Sunflower indicates that you have an non-visible disability, and may need additional support from traffic officers and others. It means you’ll get the help you need if you break down on the motorway.