Breakdowns and incidents (275 to 287)

Rules for breakdowns and incidents, including rules for motorways, obstructions, incidents, incidents involving dangerous goods and documents.

Place of relative safety (rule 275)

Rule 275

If you need to stop your vehicle in the event of a breakdown or incident, try to stop in a place of relative safety. A place of relative safety is where you, your passengers and your vehicle are less likely to be at risk from moving traffic.

The safest place to stop is a location which is designed for parking. On motorways and other high-speed roads, the safest place to stop is a service area. Other places of relative safety include

lay-bys
emergency areas (see Rule 270)
hard shoulders (see Rule 269).

Be aware that hard shoulders provide less protection than other places of relative safety because they are so close to high-speed traffic.

You and your passengers should, where possible, keep well away from your vehicle and moving traffic. Otherwise moving traffic could collide with your vehicle, forcing it into you and your passengers.

Breakdowns (rule 276)

Rule 276

If your vehicle breaks down, think first of all other road users and

get your vehicle off the road if possible
warn other traffic by using your hazard warning lights if your vehicle is causing an obstruction
help other road users see you by wearing light-coloured or fluorescent clothing in daylight and reflective clothing at night or in poor visibility
put a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your broken-down vehicle on the same side of the road, or use other permitted warning devices if you have them. Always take great care when placing or retrieving them, but never use them on motorways
if possible, keep your sidelights on if it is dark or visibility is poor
do not stand (or let anybody else stand) between your vehicle and oncoming traffic
at night or in poor visibility do not stand where you will prevent other road users seeing your lights

Additional rules for motorways (rules 277 to 278)

Rule 277

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.

Rule 277: Keep well away from your vehicle and moving traffic

Rule 277: Keep well away from your vehicle and moving traffic

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.

Rule 278

To rejoin the carriageway after a breakdown from

a hard shoulder, build up speed, indicate and watch for a safe gap in the traffic. Be aware that vehicles, obstructions or debris may be present on the hard shoulder
an emergency area, you MUST use the emergency telephone provided and follow the operator’s advice for exiting the emergency area. A lane may need to be closed so that you can rejoin the carriageway safely.

Rule 278: Emergency area information sign

Rule 279

Disabled drivers. If you have a disability that prevents you from following the above advice in Rules 277 and 278, you should

switch on your hazard warning lights
stay in your vehicle and keep your seat belt on
call 999 immediately and ask for the police. Alternatively, press your SOS button if your vehicle has one and ask for the police.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, it is recommended that you register for the 999 text service (emergencySMS.net) before making a journey.

Obstructions (rule 280)

Rule 280

If anything falls from a vehicle on to a motorway or other high-speed road, DO NOT remove the obstruction yourself. Stop in a place of relative safety (see Rule 275) and call the emergency services on 999.

On other roads, you should only remove obstructions if it is safe to do so.

Incidents (rules 281 to 283)

Rule 281

Warning signs or flashing lights. If you see emergency or incident support vehicles displaying flashing lights in the distance, be aware there may be an incident ahead (see Rule 219). You should slow down and be prepared to move safely into another lane or stop.

The emergency services, traffic officers and recovery workers may be required to work in the carriageway; for example, dealing with debris, collisions or conducting rolling roadblocks. You MUST follow any directions given by police or traffic officers as to whether you can safely pass the incident or obstruction.

Rule 282

When passing the scene of an incident, remain alert for hazards (such as debris or slow-moving vehicles) and do not slow down unnecessarily (for example, if an incident is on the other side of a dual carriageway). You should focus on the road ahead when passing an incident because a lack of attention may cause a further incident, collision or congestion (see also Rule 283, below).

Rule 283

If you are involved in an incident or collision or stop to give assistance

if possible, stop in a place of relative safety (see Rule 275)
use your hazard warning lights to warn other traffic
put on high-visibility clothing if you have it
ask drivers to switch off their engines
ask drivers and passengers to stop smoking
contact the emergency services on 999 and provide full details of the incident location and any casualties. Use an emergency telephone, a mobile telephone, or press the SOS button if your vehicle has one (see Rule 277 on how to identify your location on a motorway or other high-speed road)
move uninjured people away from the vehicles to a place of relative safety (see Rule 275)
DO NOT move injured people from their vehicles unless they are in immediate danger
DO NOT remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless it is essential and you are trained to do so
be prepared to give first aid (see First aid on the road and Useful websites)
stay at the scene until the emergency services arrive
be prepared to exchange details (see Rule 286).

If you are involved in any other medical emergency, you should contact the emergency services in the same way.

Incidents involving dangerous goods (rules 284 to 285)

Rule 284

Vehicles carrying dangerous goods in packages will be marked with plain orange reflective plates. Road tankers and vehicles carrying tank containers of dangerous goods will have hazard warning plates (see ‘Vehicle markings’).

Rule 285

If an incident involves a vehicle containing dangerous goods, follow the advice in Rule 283 and, in particular

switch off engines and DO NOT SMOKE
keep well away from the vehicle and do not be tempted to try to rescue casualties as you yourself could become one
call the emergency services and give as much information as possible about the labels and markings on the vehicle. DO NOT use a mobile phone close to a vehicle carrying flammable loads.

Documentation (rules 286 to 287)

Rule 286

If you are involved in a collision which causes damage or injury to any other person, vehicle, animal or property, you MUST

stop. If possible, stop in a place of relative safety (see Rule 275)
give your own and the vehicle owner’s name and address, and the registration number of the vehicle, to anyone having reasonable grounds for requiring them
if you do not give your name and address at the time of the collision, report it to the police as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any case within 24 hours.

Rule 287

If another person is injured and you do not produce your insurance certificate at the time of the crash to a police officer or to anyone having reasonable grounds to request it, you MUST

report it to the police as soon as possible and in any case within 24 hours
produce your insurance certificate for the police within seven days.

MOTORWAY BREAKDOWN Think get left → get safe → get help where it is safe and possible to do so.

WARNING TRIANGLE Never place a warning triangle on a motorway.

MOVING TRAFFIC Never put yourself or passengers between a stopped vehicle and moving traffic.

EMERGENCY AREA Emergency areas are for emergencies. Follow the provided procedure before rejoining the carriageway.

FALLEN OBJECT On a motorway or other high-speed road, do not try to remove an obstruction yourself.

INCIDENT AHEAD Flashing lights can mean people are working in the carriageway. Slow appropriately and be prepared to change lanes or stop.

HELPING AT A CRASH Protect yourself first. Move uninjured people away from danger, but do not move injured people unless they are in immediate danger.

DANGEROUS GOODS Keep well away, do not smoke and give emergency services information from the vehicle's hazard markings.

COLLISION Stop, provide the required details and follow the applicable reporting and insurance-document requirements.

Site Editorial Note: These comparisons are editorial explanations designed to highlight common Theory Test traps. They are not official Highway Code wording.

Don't Mix These Up on the Theory Test

Breakdown and incident questions often test whether you can distinguish between normal roadside action and the extra precautions required on high-speed roads.

Normal breakdown
Use appropriate warning measures

vs
Motorway breakdown

Remember
Motorways require greater protection from fast-moving traffic. Never place a warning triangle on a motorway.

Hard shoulder
Possible place of refuge

vs
Emergency area

Remember
Both are emergency-related locations, but an emergency area has a specific procedure for rejoining the carriageway.

Stopped vehicle
Protect yourself and others

vs
Vehicle in a live traffic lane

Remember
If you cannot safely reach a place of relative safety or exit the vehicle, stay inside with your seat belt and hazard warning lights on and seek emergency help.

See an incident
Slow and stay alert

vs
Stop unnecessarily to look

Remember
Watch for hazards and follow official directions, but do not slow unnecessarily when passing an incident.

Help an injured person
Provide appropriate assistance

vs
Move them immediately

Remember
Do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger.

Fallen object
Report the hazard

vs
Remove it yourself

Remember
On a motorway or other high-speed road, do not enter the carriageway to remove an obstruction.

Dangerous goods
Keep away

vs
Ordinary collision

Remember
With dangerous goods, avoid smoking or ignition sources, keep well away and give emergency services information from the vehicle markings.

Site Editorial Note: These FAQs are written by our editorial team to explain the Highway Code and support Theory Test preparation. Always check the current Highway Code for official rules.

Breakdowns and Incidents: Theory Test FAQ

What is a place of relative safety?

It is a location where you, your passengers and your vehicle are less exposed to moving traffic. On high-speed roads, a service area is generally the safest option where it can be reached safely.

What should you do if your vehicle breaks down on a motorway?

If possible, leave at the next exit or use a service area. Otherwise move left towards an emergency area or hard shoulder where available and safe, get yourself and passengers away from moving traffic if possible, and seek help.

Can you put a warning triangle behind a broken-down vehicle on a motorway?

No. Warning triangles must not be placed on motorways. This is an important distinction between ordinary roads and high-speed roads.

Should you attempt to repair your car after a motorway breakdown?

Not if doing so would put you in danger. The priority is to get away from moving traffic and obtain appropriate assistance rather than attempting repairs in an unsafe location.

What should you do if you cannot safely get out of a broken-down vehicle on a motorway?

Stay in the vehicle with seat belts fastened and hazard warning lights on, seek emergency assistance and remain alert to the danger from moving traffic. Do not attempt to leave if doing so would expose you to greater danger.

What should you do if something falls from your vehicle onto a motorway?

Do not try to retrieve it yourself. Stop in a place of relative safety if possible and contact the emergency services to report the obstruction.

What should you do when approaching an incident with emergency vehicles or flashing lights?

Expect people, vehicles or debris in or near the carriageway. Slow appropriately, remain alert and be prepared to change lane or stop. Follow directions from police or traffic officers.

Should you slow down to look at an accident?

No, not unnecessarily. Remain alert for hazards and keep your attention on the road ahead so you do not cause another incident or unnecessary congestion.

What should you do if you stop to help after a collision?

Protect yourself first. Stop in a place of relative safety where possible, warn other traffic, contact the emergency services when required and move uninjured people away from danger.

Should you move an injured person from a crashed vehicle?

Not unless they are in immediate danger. Moving an injured person unnecessarily can cause further harm.

What should you do if an incident involves dangerous goods?

Keep well away from the vehicle, switch off engines and do not smoke. Contact the emergency services and provide information from the vehicle's hazard markings. Avoid using a mobile phone close to a vehicle carrying flammable loads.

What must you do after a collision that causes damage or injury?

You must stop and provide the required personal and vehicle details to anyone with reasonable grounds to request them. If the required details are not provided at the scene, the applicable police reporting requirements must be followed.