---
title: "Motorway Emergency Area Sign | UK Road Signs | Fast Track"
url: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/road-signs/motorway-emergency-area
description: "What the orange emergency area and SOS sign means on a smart motorway, when to use it and how to get help safely."
lang: en
---

# Emergency area sign — UK road sign

Orange emergency area signs mark a place to stop safely where there is no permanent hard shoulder.

Image: Emergency area sign — orange, blue and white rectangle UK road sign (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/signs/motorway-emergency-area.svg)

Emergency areas are marked with high-visibility orange surfacing and orange signs, usually showing an SOS telephone symbol.

They exist mainly on all-lane running smart motorways where the hard shoulder has been converted to a running lane.

## What this sign means

The sign tells you an emergency refuge is at this point, or gives the distance to the next one.

An SOS telephone connects you directly to the regional control room, which knows exactly where you are.

- Orange background: emergency area information.
- SOS symbol: free emergency telephone available.
- Distance shown: how far to the next refuge.

## What to do when you see it

Note where the next emergency area is as part of normal motorway scanning.

If you break down and can reach one, stop there, leave by the left-hand doors if it is safe, and stand behind the barrier before calling for help.

## How this sign is tested

Theory questions cover smart motorway breakdown procedure and the correct use of emergency areas and SOS telephones.

## Common mistakes

Stopping in a live lane when an emergency area was reachable.

Using an emergency area for a rest break or a phone call, which is not permitted.

## Test yourself on this one

Road and traffic signs is the biggest category in the question bank with 102 questions, and signs turn up inside other categories too. Work through them free, no sign-up needed.

Practise road sign questions (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/practice)

## Frequently asked questions

Can I stop in an emergency area to take a call?

No. Emergency areas are for emergencies and breakdowns only.

How do I rejoin the motorway?

Call the control room using the SOS phone first. They can set signs to help you rejoin safely.

## Passed your theory? Get the practical booked

Your theory certificate lasts two years. Most learners who use it quickly do it with an intensive course — a block of hours with a DVSA approved instructor and a practical test at the end, instead of one lesson a week for months.

Intensive course prices: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/pricing
All courses: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/courses
Crash courses: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/crash-courses
Automatic lessons: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-lessons/automatic
Areas we cover: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-lessons-in
Driving test centres: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-test-centres
How it works: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/how-it-works
Test pass guarantee: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/test-pass-guarantee

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