If a truck over 7.5 t breaks down on the Autobahn, use warning signs to mark the stopped vehicle or, if possible, move onto the hard shoulder. Then identify the type of problem and provide the roadside assistance dispatcher with the details needed to send a service team.

What Drivers Should Do Immediately After Stopping on the Autobahn

• Switch on the hazard warning lights. If the truck can still be driven, move out of the traffic lane where possible and stop as far away from moving traffic as possible.
• If the vehicle may not be seen in time as a stationary obstruction, put on a high-visibility vest and place a warning sign. For fast-moving traffic, § 15 StVO gives a guideline of about 100 m. 
• If possible, move behind the crash barrier.
• Do not step onto an unprotected section of the carriageway to inspect the vehicle, take measurements or take photos.
• If the vehicle is stopped in a traffic lane, in a roadworks area, on a narrow section of road or in poor visibility and poses a hazard to traffic, call the police immediately on 110.
• Contact the MT onroad roadside assistance dispatcher.
• If the police or Autobahnmeisterei have already arrived, follow their instructions and inform the MT onroad dispatcher.
• If there is a fire, anyone is injured or people are at risk, call 112.

Identify the Type of Breakdown

For any breakdown involving a commercial vehicle over 7.5 t in Germany or Austria, MT onroad has a single contact number: +49 977 5376 9999. It is used to report all types of breakdowns involving trucks, tractor units, trailers, semi-trailers, buses and other heavy commercial vehicles. Based on the information provided, the dispatcher determines what type of assistance is required.

Prepare the following details depending on the problem:

• Tyre damage: axle and side, fitted tyre size, whether the affected wheel is part of a twin-wheel setup, rim condition, and the availability, condition and location of the spare wheel.
• Technical fault: exact messages or indications shown on the dashboard, whether the engine starts, whether the truck can move, what happened before the breakdown, and whether there are any fluid leaks.
• Towing or recovery: whether the truck is loaded, its known weight, whether it can roll or manoeuvre, whether the entire vehicle combination needs to be towed or recovered, where it needs to be taken, and any access restrictions. If the vehicle is a tanker, refrigerated vehicle, car transporter or low-loader, state this separately. 

Detailed instructions for each type of problem are provided in separate guides covering tyre damage, technical faults and truck towing and recovery. Include photos or videos only when necessary and when they can be taken safely.

How to Send a Breakdown Report to the MT onroad Dispatcher

Provide the following information:

• Location: Autobahn number, direction of travel, GPS coordinates, nearest exit, parking area or stopping area, service area or kilometre marker; also state the exact stopping position and any access restrictions;
• Situation on site: whether the vehicle is on the carriageway or in a safe location, and whether there are any obstacles to access;
• Vehicle: type, configuration of the vehicle combination, and registration numbers of the tractor unit and trailer/semi-trailer;
• Problem: briefly describe the breakdown and add the relevant details for that type from the previous section;
• Mobility: whether the truck can still be driven and whether it can roll or manoeuvre;
• Authorities and site safety: whether the police or Autobahnmeisterei have been called or have already arrived, or whether site safety measures (Absicherung) have been arranged;
• Contacts: the driver’s phone number and, if different, the phone number of the responsible contact person;
• Photos or videos: only those that are necessary and can be obtained safely.

What to Do Before the Service Team Arrives

Stay in contact with the dispatcher and let them know if the truck has been moved, traffic conditions have changed, or the police or Autobahnmeisterei have issued new instructions. In some situations, the MT onroad dispatcher may coordinate communication with the relevant road authorities. Technical decisions on repair, towing or recovery are made by the service partner on site.

Mistakes to Avoid Before the Team Arrives

1. Not answering calls once the assistance request has been logged — the dispatcher will not be able to clarify details quickly.
2. Moving the truck without reporting the new location — the service team may arrive at the wrong location.
3. Assuming the repair will definitely be completed on site — in some cases, the vehicle first needs to be moved, towed or recovered.

Need help? Message MT onroad on WhatsApp: +49 977 5376 9999. Send your GPS location, vehicle details and information about the breakdown.