OWNER ANSWER
BYD breakdown on a motorway: people first, car second
On a motorway, get left to an exit, service area or place of relative safety if you can, then get people away from traffic. If you cannot reach relative safety and cannot get out safely, stay belted in with hazards on and call 999 for the police.
- Leave the carriageway at an exit or service area if possible.
- Otherwise move left into an emergency area or onto the hard shoulder where available and stop as far left as possible, with room to exit.
- Switch on the hazard lights; use sidelights in darkness or poor visibility.
- If it is safe and possible, leave on the side away from traffic and get passengers well away, behind a barrier where safe. Safety note: Moving traffic can strike a stopped vehicle. Stay where it cannot be pushed into you; leave motorway repairs and warning triangles alone, and remain away from the car while waiting. If safe exit is impossible, keep seatbelts and hazards on and call 999.
- From safety, use the emergency telephone where provided, or contact the road operator and your breakdown service.
- Give the road, direction, nearest junction or visible location marker and anyone’s mobility or support needs.
- Speak to the road operator before leaving a motorway emergency area.
Who to call
Use 999 for immediate danger or if you cannot get to safety. On England’s strategic road network, National Highways is on 0300 123 5000. The Highway Code guidance linked below covers Great Britain; use the appropriate local road operator elsewhere.
Passengers and animals
Keep children under control. National Highways says animals should stay in the vehicle or, in an emergency, be controlled on the verge; tell the responder if anyone cannot follow the usual exit guidance.
If that did not work
If the car remains stranded, tell recovery it is a battery-electric BYD and give the exact model and symptoms. Ask for the appropriate vehicle-specific recovery method; an empty battery needs the same immediate traffic response as another breakdown.
What to note down for support: Give your safe location, direction, car and passenger needs. Use information already visible rather than walking into traffic for a marker or paperwork.
Related links
Source: National Highways · GOV.UK Highway Code · BYD UK. Checked 22 October 2026.