Rule 277: Go left

If your vehicle develops a problem, leave the carriageway at the next exit or pull into a service area if possible (see Rule 275 for places of relative safety). If you cannot, you should

Go left

• move into the left lane
• pull into an emergency area 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.

Get safe

• exit your vehicle by the side furthest from traffic, if it is safe and possible to do so, and ensure passengers do the same

If you can’t

• get your vehicle to the left lane or a place of relative safety (see Rule 275), and
• exit your vehicle safely to get well away from it and moving traffic,

you should

• stay in your vehicle
• keep your seat belts 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.

• put on high-visibility clothing if you have it and it is 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
• 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
• remain alert and aware of vehicles or debris coming towards you
• keep passengers away from the carriageway and children under control
• 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.

Get help

• use the free emergency telephone 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 are unable to exit your vehicle or if you have 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.

Communicating your location. How to identify your location to the emergency services.

Method What to do eCall Press the SOS button if your vehicle has one. App Use a mobile telephone mapping application. Marker post or driver location sign Quote the numbers and letters on marker posts or driver location signs which are located along the edge of the road.

Laws MT(E&W)R reg 14 & MT(S)R reg 12