What is the Hard Shoulder and How Should You Use It?

The hard shoulder can often be a misunderstood part of a motorway. While it plays a crucial role in keeping drivers safe, its use has evolved with the introduction of smart motorways.

But what exactly is a hard shoulder? When can you use it? And how do you stay safe?

What is the Hard Shoulder?

In the UK, the hard shoulder on a motorway is an emergency lane that runs along the left-hand side of the road.

You will be able to differentiate a hard shoulder lane by the solid white line that seperates it from the rest of the road. It is normally around 3.3 metres wide and is there to provide a safe space for vehicles to stop in an emergency.

Key features of the hard shoulder include:

• Marked by a solid white line with red reflective studs
• Designed as a safe space for breakdowns or emergencies
• Used by emergency services to bypass traffic when responding to incidents

However, not all motorways have a permanent hard shoulder. The introduction of smart motorways has changed how they function.

Which Motorways Have Hard Shoulders?

Not all motorways in the UK have a hard shoulder. The type of motorway determines how and when a hard shoulder is available:

1. Traditional Motorways
   
   Always have a hard shoulder. The left-most lane is never used for general traffic
    
2. Controlled Motorways (a type of smart motorway)
   
   Feature a permanent hard shoulder. Have overhead signs displaying variable speed limits.
    
3. Dynamic Hard Shoulder Motorways (a type of smart motorway)
   
   The hard shoulder can be opened as a live traffic lane during busy periods. Signs will indicate when it is safe to use.
    
4. All-Lane Running (ALR) Motorways
   
   Have no hard shoulder at all. Emergency refuge areas (ERAs) are placed at intervals instead

If you’re unsure whether a motorway has a hard shoulder, always check the overhead signs and follow their instructions.

When Can You Use the Hard Shoulder?

The hard shoulder should only be used in specific situations. These include the following scenarios:

• Your vehicle has broken down or is suffering from a serious mechanical fault
• There is a medical emergency in the vehicle
• Debris or an accident has made the motorways unsafe to continue driving
• Police divert you onto this lane
• There are roadworks (or a smart motorway) signs that allow for the temporary use of the lane. 

You should note that it illegal to use the hard shoulder for non-emergency reasons. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Taking a rest or to check your phone
• Skipping traffic or to reach an exit quicker

Misuse of the hard shoulder can result in a fine and penalty points on your licence.

How to Stop Safely on the Hard Shoulder

If you must stop on the hard shoulder, follow these safety steps:

1. Pull over as far left as possible to avoid protruding into the traffic lane.
2. Switch on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
3. Turn your wheels left so the vehicle doesn’t roll into traffic if hit.
4. Exit the vehicle using the left-side doors and move behind the crash barrier.
5. Call for assistance using your mobile or an emergency SOS phone (found every mile along the hard shoulder).
6. Stay upstream of traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles.

If you are travelling with pets, leave them in the car unless it’s unsafe to do so.

What if There’s No Hard Shoulder?

If you break down on an all-lane running (ALR) motorway with no hard shoulder:

1. Try to reach the nearest emergency refuge area (ERA). These are located every 1.5 miles on smart motorways.
2. If stopping in a live lane is unavoidable, call 999 immediately. Traffic officers will close the lane to prevent further danger.
3. Stay inside your vehicle with seatbelts on unless it is unsafe to do so.

National Highways reports that stopping in a live lane is over three times more dangerous than stopping on a traditional hard shoulder. This makes it increasinly important to act fast and seek assistance.

Emergency SOS Phones: How to Get Help

If your mobile phone battery is dead or has no signal, you can use the motorway’s emergency SOS phones. These are bright orange and spaced every mile along traditional hard shoulders.

They connect directly to National Highways or the police.

When using an SOS phone:

• Give the operator the phone’s location number (displayed on the box)
• Clearly describe your situation
• Follow any instructions given to you

If you cannot reach an SOS phone safely, remain in your vehicle and call 999 for emergency assistance.

Key Takeaways

Remember that the hard shoulder of the motorway should be used for emergencies only. Never use it for convenience. This can lead to accidents and problems for other road users.

When you find yourself on a smart motorway, follow the appropriate signage, which will inform you whether or not the hard shoulder is in use.

Should you break down and require the hard shoulder, try to move your vehicle as far left as possible. Then exit safely and call for help.

In the absence of a hard shoulder, find an emergency refuge area or call 999 if stuck in a live lane.

We would not recommend that you attempt repairs on the hard shoulder. It’s too dangerous. A breakdown service is best equipped and experienced for this kind of work.

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