Ran Out of Gas on the Highway? Here's What to Do

Jul 13, 2026 · 5 min read

It happens to careful drivers too. The needle drops faster than you expected, traffic slows you down, and suddenly the engine sputters. If you are on a highway when it happens, the next few minutes matter more than the empty tank does. Here is what to do, in order.

1. Coast, don't stop hard

The moment you feel the engine lose power, put on your hazards and start drifting toward the right shoulder. Do not brake unless you have to. Your car will keep rolling for a surprising distance, and that momentum is what gets you off the travel lane and out of danger.

2. Get as far right as you can

Aim for the widest part of the shoulder, ideally past a curve so drivers behind you can see your car from a distance. If there is an exit ramp within coasting range, take it. A gas station down the road is a much better place to sit than the shoulder of I-95.

3. Stay in the car unless it is unsafe

On busy highways, standing next to your vehicle is more dangerous than sitting inside it. Keep your seatbelt on, hazards flashing, and doors locked. If your car ends up in the travel lane and you cannot move it, exit on the passenger side and get well behind the guardrail before you call anyone.

4. Call for fuel delivery, not a tow

Running out of gas does not require a tow truck. A mobile fuel delivery driver brings a couple of gallons in an approved container, pours it into your tank, and you drive to the nearest station to fill up. It is usually the cheapest roadside call there is and takes less time than waiting for a friend to bring a jerry can.

When you call dispatch, share your exact location, the direction of travel, the nearest exit or mile marker, and the fuel type. Regular gas cars and diesels take different fuel, and getting the wrong one turns a small problem into a big one.

5. Give it a minute to start

After the tech pours the fuel in, do not crank the engine for ten seconds straight. Turn the key to the "on" position for a few seconds so the fuel pump primes, then start it. Some cars need two or three tries because there is air in the fuel line. That is normal.

A quick note on EVs

If you drive an electric vehicle and the battery hits zero on the highway, the same shoulder rules apply, but you will need a flatbed tow to the nearest charger, not fuel. See our EV roadside guide for the details.