Breakdowns happen to everyone. Knowing the key safety steps from the Highway Code and what to tell a recovery service will help you keep yourself and your passengers safe and get moving again as quickly as possible.
Immediate steps if your vehicle breaks down
Follow the Highway Code guidance on choosing a place of relative safety and on what to do if your vehicle breaks down. Where possible, get your vehicle off the road and into a parking area or lay-by. Use your hazard warning lights to warn other road users and, in daylight, wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing; at night or in poor visibility use reflective clothing. If you place a warning triangle, put it at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind the vehicle on the same side of the road, but never use a warning triangle on motorways. For the official rules see the Highway Code: Breakdowns and incidents (rules 275–276). (GOV.UK)
On motorways and other high-speed roads
- Try to leave the carriageway at the next exit or drive into a service area. If you cannot, move into the left lane and pull onto the hard shoulder or into an emergency area if available.
- If you can get out of the vehicle safely, exit on the side away from traffic and wait well away from the carriageway. If you cannot safely exit, remain in the vehicle with seat belts fastened and call 999 for the police.
- Use the free emergency telephones or the SOS/eCall system, or quote marker post/driver location sign details to communicate your exact location. See the Highway Code rules 277–279 for full guidance. (GOV.UK)
Communicating your location
On motorways and many major roads there are marker posts or driver location signs; quote the numbers and letters on them when you call for help. If your vehicle has an SOS or eCall button, use it to contact the emergency services. The Highway Code explains how to identify your location to the emergency services. (GOV.UK)
What to tell a recovery service
When you contact a breakdown recovery provider, give concise information so they can find you and bring the right help:
- Your exact location (road name, nearest junction, or marker post/driver location sign details)
- Vehicle registration, make and model
- Brief description of the problem (flat battery, puncture, engine cut-out, won’t start, accident damage, etc.)
- Number of passengers and any mobility or vulnerability needs
- Whether the vehicle is creating an obstruction
How a recovery operator will help
Recovery providers offer roadside repairs where possible or will transport your vehicle to a safe place, a garage or a nominated address. If you need professional assistance you can contact a local recovery service that offers roadside assistance, motorway recovery and accident recovery. For details about UK Breakdown Recovery’s services see the services page. (UK Breakdown Recovery)
Practical kit to keep in your car
- High-visibility jackets for driver and passengers (accessible without exiting the vehicle into traffic)
- Warning triangle (do not use on motorways)
- Phone charger and a charged mobile phone
- Vehicle documents and a note of any breakdown cover or insurer contact details
When you need professional recovery
If you require specialist help or recovery, UK Breakdown Recovery provides 24‑hour recovery and roadside assistance across its service area. For service types and coverage see the services page, and to request assistance please use the contact page rather than a phone number. (UK Breakdown Recovery services) (Contact UK Breakdown Recovery)
Following the Highway Code guidance and giving clear information to your recovery provider will help keep you safe and speed the recovery process. For the official Highway Code rules on breakdowns and incidents, consult GOV.UK. (GOV.UK)
