UK national emergency alert test set for Sunday; drivers warned to prepare to avoid fines and being startled

The UK Government will carry out a national test of its Emergency Alerts system at 3pm on Sunday, 7 September, sending a 10‑second siren‑like tone and vibration to 4G and 5G‑compatible phones and tablets across the country. Road users have been urged to take precautions to avoid being startled while driving and to refrain from handling their phones when the alert sounds.

Motoring organisations and insurers warned that the alarm could unsettle drivers concentrating on the road. The AA advised motorists to familiarise themselves with the alert sound and vibration ahead of tomorrow’s test so they are not distracted. Insurance comparison site Confused.com said drivers must not pick up or check their phones when the siren sounds, noting that using a handheld device while driving can result in a £200 fine and six penalty points on a licence.

The test will send a short on‑screen message in addition to the sound and vibration. The Government describes the test as a routine check of a system intended to deliver life‑saving information rapidly during emergencies, such as extreme weather. Cabinet minister Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: "Emergency Alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations including extreme storms. Just like the fire alarm in your house, it’s important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it."

The Emergency Alerts service was launched in April 2023 and this is the first nationwide test in two years. It is designed to reach compatible mobile devices without the need for users to download an app, using mobile networks to push messages to phones and tablets that support the feature.

The Government’s public guidance states that users who do not wish to receive tests may opt out, and that the process takes only a short time. Most phones allow users to disable emergency or government alerts in the device settings; the Government’s webpage provides step‑by‑step instructions for common operating systems. Officials and advisers have emphasised that, while users can opt out, keeping the alerts enabled is recommended because they are intended to provide urgent warnings that could save lives.

Road safety and insurance bodies reiterated that drivers should not react to the alert by attempting to take their hands off the wheel or using their phones. The rules on handheld phone use remain clear: drivers must not hold a phone while driving, and enforcement can result in fines and licence points. The industry advice is that drivers should either silence devices, place them out of reach, or pull over safely before interacting with a phone.

Motorists and other members of the public who have questions about how the system works or how to change their device settings are being directed to the Government’s emergency alerts webpage for full details and technical guidance ahead of tomorrow’s test.