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Breakdown safety on motorways and freeways

Being prepared can help avoid breakdown risks. Use our pre-trip checklist below to help you prepare.

It's dangerous to exit your vehicle on or near high speed roads such as highways and motorways. If you break down, follow our steps below to help keep you and your passengers as safe as possible and away from the traffic.

What to do if you break down

Step 1—Exit highway or pull over

View larger image Car travelling on highway. Driver has a speech bubble with an explanation mark. The arrow on the diagram shows that the car should move on to the shoulder of the road to stop. Enlarge image
  • Exit the highway or motorway as soon as you realise your vehicle is going to break down if you can. You'll be much safer waiting for help in a lower speed area.
  • If you can't exit the highway, pull your vehicle onto the road shoulder, or if no shoulder exists, as far away from traffic as possible.

Step 2—Show you've broken down

View larger image Broken down car parked on the shoulder of the highway with hazard lights on and wheels turned away from the traffic. Enlarge image
  • Turn on your vehicle hazard lights so other motorists can see you have broken down. If at night, also leave your parking lights on.
  • Once you have pulled over safely
    • turn your wheels away from the traffic
    • if safe, pop your bonnet to show passing motorists that you have broken down.

Step 3—Check if it's safe to exit your vehicle

View larger image Broken down car parked on shoulder of road with people exiting from the passenger side. Arrow indicates that they should walk behind the barrier away from the road. Enlarge image
  • Check your surroundings and if it's safe to do, exit your vehicle—the driver and any passengers should exit through the passenger side of the vehicle to keep away from the traffic. Then move behind a barrier or as far away from traffic as possible.
  • If it's not safe to exit your vehicle, the driver and any passengers should fasten their seat belts securely.

Step 4—Phone for help

View larger image Broken down car is parked on shoulder of road and people are standing behind the barrier phoning for help. Enlarge image
  • Call your roadside assistance provider or 13 19 40 from your mobile phone and let them know your location.
  • If you don’t have a mobile phone and it isn’t safe to walk to a telephone, stay with your car and wait for help. Don't walk along highways or motorways.

Duration 00:01:11

Video transcript

Breakdowns can be dangerous.

On a motorway, they can be terrifying.

So if it happens to you, here are some safety tips.

Activate your car’s hazard lights, limp to an exit if possible, or pull your vehicle onto the shoulder of the road as far away as possible.

Turn the wheels away from traffic and stop the vehicle.

Check you are clear of traffic.

When safe, release your seat belt, grab your phone, and safety vest if you have one, and exit to the left.

Move to a safe location and call your roadside assistance provider or 13 19 40.

If you don’t have a mobile phone and it isn’t safe to walk to a telephone, stay with your car and wait for help.

Do not walk along highways and do not attempt repairs.

It’s not worth the risk.

Pre-trip checks

You can help reduce breakdown risks through good preparation:

  1. Keep vehicles well-maintained and full of fuel.
  2. Ensure mobile phones are charged, and you have enough credit to make a phone call.
  3. Download the ‘Emergency +’ smartphone app.
  4. Keep a high visibility vest and torch in your vehicle.
  5. Save roadside assistance contacts in your mobile phone.
  6. Keep a copy of the Breakdown Safety Glovebox Guide in your car.

Watch the video to see these steps in action:

Duration 00:00:45

Video transcript

Breaking down can be dangerous.

Don’t let this happen to you.

Maintenance helps avoid breakdowns.

Check when your car’s service is due.

Check your fuel level.

Check the engine. Is it right for oil and is it right for coolant?

Regularly check your tyre pressures, and don’t forget the spare.

Be prepared.

Carry a charged mobile phone.

Have roadside assist in your contacts.

Keep a high-vis vest and a torch in the car.

Just a little preparation will help avoid this.

What to do if you see a breakdown

Learn how you can safely help other motorists if you see their vehicle broken down on a motorway or highway:

  1. Look out for the signs of a broken-down vehicle, which include hazard lights and a popped bonnet.
  2. If you think they need assistance, when safe to do so, call 13 19 40 to report the breakdown and location.
  3. Don’t stop or pull over to help as this can be dangerous.
  4. Move over and slow down as you pass a broken-down vehicle.

Abandoned or broken-down vehicles

If you leave your broken-down vehicle parked illegally or in a dangerous situation, we may move it to a safer location or tow it to a holding yard. Owners will be required to pay all costs associated with towing and storage of the vehicle. To recover your vehicle, please contact the traffic management centre on 13 19 40.

If you breakdown on a motorway in South East Queensland and cannot immediately arrange removal from your roadside assistance provider, advise the traffic management centre on 13 19 40.

Last updated:
25 January 2024
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