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uk Transport & mobility emergencies ran out of fuel • run out of petrol • run out of diesel • empty tank • fuel gauge wrong • fuel light ignored • stranded in car • vehicle safely off road • pulled into lay-by • stopped on hard shoulder • emergency refuge area • motorway breakdown • smart motorway • hazard lights on • waiting for recovery • fuel delivery • can’t restart engine • unsafe to exit • location marker posts

What to do if…
you run out of fuel unexpectedly and your vehicle is safely off the road

Short answer

Make the car conspicuous (hazards on), get yourself and any passengers into the safest waiting position for where you’ve stopped, then get help (breakdown provider, or National Highways if you’re on a motorway).

Do not do these things

  • Don’t try to “stretch” the last fumes by continuing to drive if the engine is cutting out—stay stopped if you’re already safely off the road.
  • Don’t walk along a motorway or hard shoulder to look for fuel or help.
  • Don’t stand between your vehicle and live traffic, or wait near the rear of the car close to the carriageway.
  • Don’t attempt to place a warning triangle on a motorway.
  • Don’t accept fuel/help from a stranger if you feel unsure or pressured—prioritise official help.
  • Don’t smoke or use any naked flame near the vehicle (especially if you suspect a fuel leak).

What to do now

  1. Secure the vehicle where it is. Keep the car fully out of running lanes, apply the handbrake, and keep hazard warning lights on. If it’s dark or visibility is poor, use sidelights as well. If you’re stopped facing along the road, turn the front wheels to the left (away from traffic) if you can do so safely.
  2. Choose the safest place to wait (depends on where you’ve stopped):
    • Lay-by / car park / fully separated area: you can usually stay with the vehicle.
    • Motorway hard shoulder or emergency refuge area: only if it’s safe, exit by the side furthest from traffic (usually the left) and wait well away from the vehicle and moving traffic, behind a safety barrier if there is one.
    • If it does not feel safe to exit (narrow shoulder, heavy traffic, poor visibility): stay in the vehicle, seatbelt on, hazards on, and call 999 (or 112).
  3. Get your exact location before you call anyone.
    • Motorway: motorway name and direction, nearest junction number, and any marker posts / signs.
    • Other roads: road name/number, nearest town/landmark, and use your phone’s map “share location” feature if possible.
  4. Get help using the right route for where you are.
    • On a motorway: use a roadside emergency telephone if one is nearby (where provided). Or call National Highways on 0300 123 5000 for advice/assistance.
    • Otherwise, call your breakdown provider (or insurer/manufacturer assistance) and request fuel delivery or recovery.
  5. Say the essentials (short and clear): “Out of fuel,” exact location, vehicle description/registration, how many people with you, and whether anyone is vulnerable (e.g., disabled, older, travelling alone).
  6. While waiting: keep everyone together, keep phones charged, and stay out of traffic danger. If you drive a diesel and it has fully run dry, avoid repeated restart attempts—focus on getting professional help to attend.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to decide right now why the fuel ran out (gauge fault, misread range, detour, etc.).
  • You don’t need to arrange payment, complaints, or insurance admin while you’re still roadside.
  • You don’t need to troubleshoot or “fix” anything beyond basic safety steps until you’re somewhere safe.

Important reassurance

Running out of fuel can feel suddenly embarrassing and frightening, but once you’re safely off the road your priorities are simple: stay visible, stay out of traffic danger, and get help to come to you.

Scope note

These are first steps to keep you safe and get assistance. Prevention and follow-up checks can wait until you’re recovered.

Important note

This is general safety information, not legal advice. If you’re in immediate danger, or you cannot wait safely where you are, call 999 (or 112).

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