Truck Broke Down on the Highway? What to Do Now
Short answer: Get the truck as far from traffic as you safely can and turn on your hazard flashers. If anyone is hurt or the truck is blocking traffic, call 911. If you drive a commercial truck, federal rules say to put out your warning triangles within 10 minutes. Then call a mechanic with your exact location and what the truck is doing.
Last updated: November 9, 2026
A breakdown on a busy road is stressful, and the first few minutes matter most for your safety. Here's what to do, in order, whether you drive a semi or a diesel pickup.
If you're stopped on the road, get as far from traffic as you safely can and turn on your hazard lights. In an emergency, call 911 first.
1. Get to the safest spot you can
- If the truck still rolls, steer onto the shoulder, an exit or a parking area, as far from traffic as you can.
- Avoid stopping just past a curve or the top of an overpass if you have a choice: drivers coming up behind you can't see you as early.
- Turn on your hazard flashers right away.
2. Call 911 if it's an emergency
Call 911 if anyone is hurt, if there's a fire or fuel leak, or if the truck is blocking a lane and you can't move it.
3. Commercial trucks: set out your warning devices
Federal rules (49 CFR 392.22) tell commercial drivers what to do when the truck is stopped on the road or the shoulder:
- Hazard flashers on immediately, and keep them on until the warning devices are out.
- Warning devices out as soon as possible, and within 10 minutes.
Where to place them:
| Road | Placement (three devices) |
|---|---|
| Two-way road | One about 10 feet from the truck on the traffic side; one about 100 feet behind; one about 100 feet ahead |
| Divided highway or one-way road | One at about 200 feet and one at about 100 feet behind the truck, toward oncoming traffic; one within 10 feet of the rear on the traffic side |
| Within 500 feet of a curve or hill crest | Move the device toward the curve or hill, 100 to 500 feet from the truck, so drivers see it in time |
The rule has other details, for example about lit warning devices near a fuel leak. Read the full rule linked below if you're not sure.
Diesel pickup drivers who aren't operating a commercial vehicle aren't covered by this rule, but warning triangles and hazard lights help anyone be seen.
4. Stay safe while you wait
- Stay clear of traffic. Don't stand between the truck and the travel lanes.
- Be visible. A reflective vest helps, day or night.
- Don't try a repair next to moving traffic.
5. Call a mechanic with the right details
- Where you are: the highway, your direction, the nearest exit or mile marker.
- What you drive: year, make, engine; tractor and trailer if it's a semi.
- What happened: warning lights, sounds, smoke, leaks, and whether it will restart.
- Whether you're loaded, and with what, if it matters for the repair or a tow.
- The best number to reach you.
A mobile diesel mechanic may be able to fix it where it sits, once it's safe to work, or tell you if a tow is the better call.
Breakdowns near the border crossings
The Valley sees heavy truck traffic around the international bridges. At the Pharr International Bridge alone, more than 54,000 trucks crossed northbound in a single month, according to the City of Pharr. If you break down near a bridge or a port of entry, follow the instructions of officers and staff there and tell the mechanic exactly where you are.
What to do next time
- Keep warning devices, a vest and a flashlight in the cab.
- Save a mechanic's number before you need it.
- Don't ignore warnings. A warning light or a new noise is worth checking before it becomes a roadside stop. See diesel engine repair and diesel won't start.
Broken down in the Valley?
Once you're safe, call with your location. Shops on this line serve McAllen, Edinburg and Brownsville, and some do roadside work. See also semi truck repair.