Stopping on motorways

You must only stop on a motorway if

• red lights or other signs or signals tell you to do so
• you’re asked to stop by the police, traffic officers or Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency officers
• it’s an emergency
• it will prevent an incident.

You mustn’t stop to pick up or set down anyone on any part of a motorway, including a slip road.

The hard shoulder

When travelling on a smart motorway, use the hard shoulder as directed by the signs. On all other stretches of motorway, use the hard shoulder only in an emergency.

Slowing down and stopping

If you have to slow down or stop on the carriageway as a result of traffic congestion, switch on your hazard warning lights to warn traffic behind you of the obstruction ahead. Once you’re sure they’ve been seen, switch them off.

Breakdowns and incidents

Information about how to deal with breakdowns and incidents on a motorway can be found in sections 15 and 16, respectively.

Parking at service areas

Service areas are the only parking places provided on motorway routes.

To reach the services, follow the same procedure as for a motorway exit.

Once you’re off the motorway, slow down and be aware that a low speed will feel very different after motorway driving. Watch out for sharp turns into car parking areas. Other drivers could fail to reduce their speed sufficiently. Once you’ve stopped in the car park, keep children and animals under control.

When you leave your vehicle, remember to lock it. Don’t leave valuables (cameras, etc) on view. Be a careful pedestrian.

To rejoin the motorway, follow the same procedure as when joining the motorway at any entrance.