Running out of petrol on a UK motorway is a frightening experience — and it is also a traffic offence if you could have avoided it. The Highway Code states that you must not stop on a motorway hard shoulder except in an emergency, and running out of fuel is considered an avoidable emergency. That said, it happens to thousands of drivers every year. If it happens to you, here is exactly what to do.
The moment you notice your fuel gauge is critically low or your car begins to lose power, switch on your hazard lights and move to the left-hand lane. Your goal is to reach the hard shoulder or an emergency refuge area (ERA) before the engine cuts out. If you are on a smart motorway, look for the blue ERA signs. Do not stop in a live lane — this is extremely dangerous and will result in a fine and penalty points.
Once you are on the hard shoulder or in an ERA, switch off the engine, keep your hazard lights on, and exit the vehicle from the left-hand (passenger) side. Do not stand between your vehicle and the traffic. Move behind the barrier or up the embankment and stay well away from the carriageway. If you have passengers, take them with you.
Call Black Eagle Recovery on 0330 520 1620 or use the orange SOS telephone on the hard shoulder. Give your location — the nearest junction number, the blue marker post number (shown on posts every 100 metres on the hard shoulder), or a what3words location. We can dispatch a roadside assistance operator who can bring fuel to your location. Note: on a smart motorway, you must use the SOS phone in the ERA to alert Highways England as well as calling us.
Our roadside assistance operators carry a supply of both unleaded petrol and diesel. We will deliver enough fuel to get you to the nearest service station — typically around 5 litres. This is not a full tank, but it is enough to get you off the motorway safely. Make sure you tell us whether your vehicle takes petrol or diesel when you call. If you have a diesel car and accidentally ask for petrol, or vice versa, do not start the engine — see our guide on wrong fuel.
Yes. Running out of fuel on a motorway can be treated as careless driving under the Highway Code, as it is considered an avoidable situation. You could receive a fixed penalty notice or, in serious cases, be prosecuted for careless driving. The police have discretion — if you genuinely could not have known you were about to run out of fuel, they may take a more lenient view. However, if your fuel gauge was clearly showing empty before you joined the motorway, you are unlikely to receive sympathy.
The most effective prevention is simple: never let your fuel gauge drop below a quarter of a tank before a long motorway journey. Modern fuel gauges are not always accurate — the 'empty' warning light typically comes on when there are around 30–50 miles of range remaining, but this varies significantly by vehicle and driving conditions. In cold weather, fuel consumption increases. In heavy traffic, stop-start driving uses more fuel than the motorway average. The safest rule is to fill up before you join the motorway if you have any doubt.
Broken down on the motorway? Black Eagle Recovery provides 24/7 roadside assistance across London and the South East. Call 0330 520 1620 for fast, professional help.
Call 0330 520 1620Leave your details and we'll call you back.
Putting petrol in a diesel car — or diesel in a petrol — is more common than you think. The good news is that if you act quickly and follow the right steps, you can often avoid serious engine damage.
Lost your keys or locked them inside? Find out whether a car can be recovered without keys, how operators handle steering locks and EVs, and what your options are when you are stuck without a key.
Run out of fuel? This step-by-step guide covers how to stay safe, get off the road, and get fuel delivered fast — including what to do on a motorway, the difference between petrol and diesel delivery, and how to avoid running out again.
Black Eagle Assistant
24/7 · Instant answers
AI assistant · For emergencies call 0330 520 1620