What's the difference between a hard shoulder and an emergency refuge area?

A hard shoulder runs continuously alongside the carriageway on conventional motorways; an ERA is a specific marked bay at intervals on smart motorways that lack a permanent hard shoulder.

Should I get out of the car if I break down in a live lane?

Only if it's safer to do so than staying inside — if you can't exit safely, stay belted in with hazards on and call 999 immediately.

How do I know if I'm on a smart motorway?

Overhead gantries with variable speed limits and lane signals, and the absence of a continuous hard shoulder, are the main indicators — signage along the route also usually confirms it.

Motorway Breakdown Rules: What the Highway Code Says

Conventional motorways with a hard shoulder

If you can, move onto the hard shoulder, ideally near an emergency telephone, and pull as far to the left as possible. Switch on hazard lights, exit via the passenger side away from traffic, and stand behind the barrier well away from the carriageway while you wait for help.

Smart motorways without a permanent hard shoulder

On All Lane Running smart motorways, there is no hard shoulder in normal operation. If you break down, the guidance is to try to reach the next Emergency Refuge Area (ERA), marked with blue signs and orange surfacing, or leave at the next exit or service area if you can do so safely. If you cannot reach an ERA and are stuck in a live lane, keep your seatbelt on, put hazard lights on, and call 999 immediately.

If you're stopped in a live lane and can't get out safely

This is a genuine emergency. Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on and hazard lights on if you judge it's more dangerous to exit onto the carriageway than to remain inside, and call 999 for immediate assistance. Motorway control centres can also close lanes electronically using overhead signs once alerted.

Using the SOS button in an emergency refuge area

Emergency refuge areas on smart motorways usually have an orange SOS telephone linked directly to a control centre, which can see your location and can set signs to close lanes near you for safety while you wait.

What not to do

Don't attempt repairs at the roadside on a live carriageway, don't stand between your car and the traffic, and don't try to walk to find help along the motorway itself — wait for assistance in a safe position or in the vehicle if instructed by the guidance above.

After the breakdown is resolved

Once recovered, you don't have to rejoin at the same point — recovery operators and control centres can help direct you to rejoin traffic safely, often at a slip road or after the vehicle has been moved to a safer location.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a hard shoulder and an emergency refuge area?: A hard shoulder runs continuously alongside the carriageway on conventional motorways; an ERA is a specific marked bay at intervals on smart motorways that lack a permanent hard shoulder.
Should I get out of the car if I break down in a live lane?: Only if it's safer to do so than staying inside — if you can't exit safely, stay belted in with hazards on and call 999 immediately.
How do I know if I'm on a smart motorway?: Overhead gantries with variable speed limits and lane signals, and the absence of a continuous hard shoulder, are the main indicators — signage along the route also usually confirms it.

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Call 07402 666 687

Motorway and smart motorway breakdown rules