If your vehicle breaks down on a Singapore expressway, move to the shoulder if possible, turn on the hazard lights and call LTA at 1800 2255 582 for recovery assistance. Give the expressway, direction of travel and nearest exit, kilometre marker or lamppost number. LTA guidance on expressway and tunnel emergencies LTA EMAS vehicle recovery guide
If you cannot reach the shoulder or leaving would expose you to traffic, LTA advises staying in the vehicle and calling for help. If you can get out safely and reach the area behind the guardrail, wait there away from traffic. Fire, smoke, serious injury or a need for urgent rescue calls for 995. LTA guidance on expressway and tunnel emergencies SCDF emergency medical services
- Get to the shoulder if possible and switch on hazard lights.
- Call 1800 2255 582 and say whether you are on the shoulder or in a live lane.
- Leave recovery and repairs to the trained team.
On this page
- Choose the safest place to wait
- Tell EMAS exactly where you stopped
- Where EMAS takes the vehicle
- Frequently asked questions
Choose the safest place to wait
Check the traffic and the space beside your vehicle before anyone opens a door. If you are in a live lane or leaving is unsafe, stay inside during the breakdown and tell LTA why you cannot get out. If the shoulder and the route beyond the guardrail are safely accessible, LTA advises waiting behind the guardrail and downstream of the vehicle, in the direction traffic is travelling. LTA guidance on expressway and tunnel emergencies
With children in the car, give one instruction at a time. Tell LTA early if someone cannot get out safely or needs help moving. A breakdown can turn into a different emergency if smoke appears or someone is seriously hurt. Tell responders immediately if the situation changes. LTA guidance on expressway and tunnel emergencies SCDF emergency medical services
Tell EMAS exactly where you stopped
Give the expressway name, the direction, whether you are before or after a named exit and a marker you can see from safety. Add the vehicle colour and plate if known. Say whether a lane is blocked. Keep the phone available in case the recovery team needs to clarify your position. LTA guidance on expressway and tunnel emergencies LTA EMAS vehicle recovery guide
An example call
“My car has broken down on the PIE towards Changi, just after the exit we passed. We are on the shoulder. I can see lamppost number [number]. There are three of us in the car.” Give only the markers you can confirm.
Where EMAS takes the vehicle
LTA’s Expressway Monitoring and Advisory System (EMAS) recovery team can tow the vehicle to a designated car park. Ask the crew to confirm the destination before arranging onward towing with your insurer or recovery provider. LTA notes that parking charges can apply while the vehicle waits there. LTA guidance on expressway and tunnel emergencies LTA EMAS vehicle recovery guide
Once you know the car park, give that address to anyone arranging pickup. Keep family members out of the recovery crew’s working area and follow directions at the scene.
Frequently asked questions
Should I change a tyre on the shoulder?
LTA advises against repairing your vehicle on the expressway. Call for recovery assistance. LTA guidance on expressway and tunnel emergencies
What if I cannot read a marker?
Give the direction and last exit or landmark you passed. Say which lane or shoulder you are in. Avoid walking along the expressway to look for a number. LTA guidance on expressway and tunnel emergencies
Sources
- LTA guidance on expressway and tunnel emergencies
- SCDF emergency medical services
- LTA EMAS vehicle recovery guide