AIBU to ask how long is safe to drive on a motorway without a break?

111 replies

Blues321 · 14/08/2026 11:32

How long would you feel is a safe time to drive on a motorway without a break?

I appreciate it's different person-to-person but on average, what is a safe time limit.

Sparked by a discussion on a long motorway journey!

OP posts:

Divebar2021 · 14/08/2026 11:40

Well the Highway Code advises 2 hours or 100miles. I don’t necessarily think that people are a good judge of when to stop and will only think of pulling over when they’ve already started nodding off.

Latenightreader · 14/08/2026 11:39

Depends on so many factors, including time of day, road conditions, familiarity with the route, and how I'm feeling. I used to regularly drive 200 miles/3.5 hours without stopping, and I once did Manchester to Norwich in one go (just under five hours) in an emergency.

Generally I prefer to have a break every 2-3 hours, nearer two if I've had to concentrate hard or the roads are annoying.

PinkyFlamingo · 14/08/2026 11:39

For me it just depends how often I need the toilet. 😘

RandomMess · 14/08/2026 11:38

My max is in a good day is just over 4 hours. 2-3 hours is a doddle.

NC9000 · 14/08/2026 11:38

Variable. I've gone hours and sometimes half an hour. Depends on if the sun is making me tired from being in my eyes, if it's raining too hard and I can't see, if I didn't sleep enough the night before etc.

Bjorkdidit · 14/08/2026 11:38

I agree that it very much depends, especially on tiredness. Sometimes you're fine for hours, others even a short journey could be inadvisable. The guidance for car drivers is a short break at least every couple of hours and there are prescribed rules for lorry drivers.

VoteForCountBinface · 14/08/2026 11:38

I break the journey up and stop at about 1.5 hrs for a loo stop/stretch.

Morepositivemum · 14/08/2026 11:37

Yes I think it depends on yourself- I used to work only an hour away and after my second was born had to pull over after minutes to rest eyes/ go for food or drink. I can go two hours fine or be exhausted after an hour depending on everything.

Catza · 14/08/2026 11:36

I can do about 5,5h when I drive but can only manage about 3h as a passenger.

Loulou4022 · 14/08/2026 11:35

2 hours is about my limit!
I do 1hr 45- 2 hours 4 times a week and usually manage it all in one go but it’s dependant on needing a wee!
More than 2 hours and my legs start getting stiff and my eyes itchy and I need some fresh air.

Debatingthings · 14/08/2026 11:34

I don't think there is an answer, it depends so much on vehicle type, seating position, energy levels, how much you're used to driving, road conditions etc etc. I've done 3 hours in one go before absolutely fine, but other days I need a stop after an hour or so.

Long distance lorry drivers drive for much longer without a break, I think, but they do it every day and are seated upright, with good visibility

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