Rules for Breakdowns and Incidents

Reference: 🔗 Gov.uk - Rules for Breakdowns and Incidents

Summary of Rules 275–287

  1. Breakdowns and stopping: Always stop in a safe place (service area, lay-by, emergency area).
  2. Motorway rules: Use emergency areas, never stop unnecessarily on the hard shoulder or live lanes.
  3. Accidents and emergencies: Prioritize safety, use hazard lights, and call for help if needed.
  4. Dangerous situations: Stay away from vehicle fires, do not attempt to handle hazardous materials, and never stop on railway tracks.

Rule 275: Place of Relative Safety

  1. Stop in a place of relative safety to reduce risk from moving traffic.
  2. Safest places:
    • Service areas, lay-bys, emergency areas.
    • Hard shoulders (less protection than the above options).
  3. Passengers should exit safely and stay away from the vehicle and traffic.

Rule 276: Breakdowns

  1. Prioritize safety of all road users.
  2. If possible, move off the road to a safe location.
  3. Warn others:
    • Use hazard lights.
    • Wear reflective clothing.
  4. Use a warning triangle (at least 45m behind) except on motorways.
  5. Keep sidelights on in darkness or poor visibility.
  6. Never stand between your vehicle and oncoming traffic.

Rule 277: Motorway Breakdowns

  1. If on a motorway, try to reach an emergency area, hard shoulder, or service station.
  2. Stop as far to the left as possible, turn on hazard lights.
  3. Exit through the left-hand door.
  4. Do not attempt repairs on the motorway.
  5. Use emergency roadside telephones (marked with orange SOS signs).
  6. If unable to exit safely, stay inside, keep seatbelt on, and call for help. Keep well away from your vehicle and moving traffic

Rule 278: Emergency Areas

  1. Found on smart motorways for emergency stops.
  2. Marked with blue signs and emergency SOS phones.
  3. Exit vehicle and stand behind barriers if safe.
  4. Do not use emergency areas for rest breaks.

Emergency area information sign

Rule 279: Stopping on a Hard Shoulder

  1. Only stop in emergencies.
  2. Pull as far left as possible and keep wheels turned away from traffic.
  3. Turn on hazard lights.
  4. Do not attempt repairs or change a tyre unless absolutely necessary.
  5. Exit via the left-hand door and move to a safe place.
  6. If in danger, call 999 immediately.

Rule 280: Stopping in a Live Lane

  1. Try to move to an emergency area or hard shoulder before stopping.
  2. If stopped in a live lane:
    • Keep seatbelt on and hazard lights on.
    • Call for help immediately.
    • If on a smart motorway, the red X signal should close the lane.

Rule 281: Rejoining the Road

  1. Before rejoining, check mirrors and blind spots.
  2. Indicate clearly and wait for a safe gap.
  3. Rejoin at a safe speed.

Rule 282: Obstructions and Incidents

  1. If involved in an accident:
    1. Warn others by switching on hazard lights.
    2. Ensure safety before offering assistance.
    3. Call emergency services if needed.
    4. Do not put yourself in danger.

Rule 283: Vehicle Fires

  1. If fire is detected:
    1. Stop immediately in a safe place.
    2. Turn off the engine and exit the vehicle.
    3. Move away from the vehicle and call 999.
    4. Do not attempt to put out the fire unless properly trained.

Rule 284: First Aid and Emergency Response

  1. Call 999 for serious incidents.
  2. Provide basic first aid if trained.
  3. Do not move casualties unless necessary (e.g., fire risk).
  4. Keep injured people warm and reassured.
  5. Stop bleeding with firm pressure.

Rule 285: Reporting Accidents

  1. If involved in an accident, you must stop if:
    • Injury, damage, or hazards are caused.
  2. Exchange details (name, address, registration, insurance).
  3. Report the accident to the police within 24 hours if details are not exchanged.

Rule 286: Incidents Involving Dangerous Goods

  1. Vehicles carrying hazardous materials will have an orange plate or hazard signs.
  2. Stay away from leaking chemicals.
  3. Call emergency services and provide details from the hazard plate.
  4. Do not attempt to clean up spills.

Rule 287: Railway Level Crossings

  1. If red lights flash or barriers lower, STOP.
  2. Never stop on railway tracks.
  3. If stuck on a level crossing:
    • Exit the vehicle immediately.
    • Move to a safe distance and call for help.