ON some stretches of Britain's motorway network you might have noticed an extra lane to your left.
As tempting as it might be to use this space when traffic is bad, there are strict rules around when you can cross over onto the hard shoulder — here's our handy guide.
Can I be fined for using the hard shoulder?
Driving on the hard shoulder illegally could result in a fine of £100 and three points on your driving licence.
The penalty could be higher if you cause an accident.
You could be charged with careless driving in the worst case scenario, which could come with a £5,000 fine, up to nine penalty points, or even a driving ban.
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When am I allowed drive on the hard shoulder?
The hard shoulder is designed to be used in emergencies — for example, your car breaking down.
This is to ensure your vehicle isn't sitting in the middle of busy and fast-moving traffic on the motorway, which would be dangerous for all drivers.
You should never drive on the hard shoulder unless you are directed to by road signs or police.
This could occur when another lane of traffic is closed due to an accident or roadworks.
Emergency services vehicles are the only ones permitted to drive on the hard shoulder.
The only exception to driving on the hard shoulder is if you're on a "smart" motorway.
Smart motorways do not have hard shoulders, so you can drive on the outermost lane.
The RAC advises that there will be signs indicating if you are allowed to drive on the hard shoulder, but if you’re unsure then you should not use it.
Can I pull over on the hard shoulder?
You are allowed to pull over onto the hard shoulder — but only in certain circumstances.
As we've explained, this part of the road is only for emergencies, so if you pull over for a trivial reason, you could be on the wrong side of the law.
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You should not stop on th hard shoulder to use your phone or go to the toilet — these are unlikely to be considered an emergency by police.
If you need facilities or to make a call, you should come off the motorway at the nearest junction or service station.
If you are having car troubles and can't make it to a garage or safe space off the motorway, you are allowed to use the hard shoulder.
You can also use it if you suffer a medical emergency, or if you're instructed by police to stop there.
When you pull over, you should use your hazard lights and get out of the car using the door on the left away from traffic and wait on the other side of the motorway barrier.
You should do this away from the car as it can be incredibly dangerous on the hard shoulder
If you need to walk to an emergency SOS phone located on the hard shoulder, you should always walk towards oncoming traffic rather than having your back to it.
This means you can see what's coming ahead and if there is any danger.
How to use the hard shoulder safely
DO
- Pull over safely on the hard shoulder in an emergency, such as a breakdown or medical episode
- Turn on hazard warning lights and side lights to alert other drivers
- Use left-hand doors if you need to exit the vehicle
- Keep your children and pets inside the car
- Proceed with extreme caution if you need to use the emergency phone on the hard shoulder
DON'T
- Don't use the hard shoulder to get ahead of traffic and skip queues
- Don't stop on the hard shoulder to go to the toilet or use your mobile
- Don't pull over if passengers have travel sickness or you need to rest