May you walk along a motorway to reach an SOS phone?

Pedestrians may not travel on motorways. Article 175 allows walking on the emergency lane only to reach a point where help can be requested; it does not authorise walking in traffic lanes or continuing on foot.

The exception is limited to reaching assistance

The general rule prohibits pedestrians from travelling on motorways and main extra-urban roads. The Code allows a person to use the emergency lane to reach a help point such as an SOS telephone. This is a narrow exception for that need and route, not ordinary pedestrian access.

Do not walk in the traffic lanes or cross the carriageway to reach the phone. If your vehicle has stopped, protect its occupants, use required safety equipment and call emergency services by mobile phone where possible. The SOS phone does not justify a longer or unnecessary walk: vehicles may also travel quickly in the emergency lane.

Limit your exposure to traffic

If you must leave the vehicle, follow official safety instructions and the operator's guidance. Wear a reflective vest where required, move people to a protected position and avoid standing beside the vehicle on the traffic side. If there is no safe route to the SOS point, stay in a protected area and call for help by phone.

For example, if the phone is reachable along the emergency lane without crossing traffic, the Code allows that limited walk to request assistance. It does not allow you to walk to the next exit instead. Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps you review exam quizzes and mistakes on safe behaviour; during a real emergency, follow signs and instructions from rescue services.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps you practise exam quizzes and review mistakes on rules of conduct and traffic.