The UK government has announced a nationwide test of its Emergency Alert system on Saturday, 7 September 2025, at 3:00pm.

Motorists are being warned not to interact with their mobile phones during the alert, which will trigger a loud siren and an on-screen message on compatible devices.

What is this?

The system, introduced in 2023, is designed to warn the public about life-threatening emergencies in their area, such as:

  • Severe weather events

  • Flooding

  • Wildfires

  • Terror incidents

The alerts are sent directly to 4G and 5G-enabled mobile phones and tablets, regardless of network provider, using cell broadcast technology.

This system collects no personal data, and your location is not tracked; the alert is broadcast to all compatible devices in the UK.

What Will Happen 

At exactly 3:00pm, a test alert will be sent nationwide.

  • A loud, siren-like sound will play for about 10 seconds.

  • An on-screen message will appear, explaining that this is a test and no action is required.

  • Once acknowledged, the message disappears, and the phone returns to normal use.

Motorists are strongly advised not to check or touch their phones while driving when the alert sounds.

Instead, drivers should remain focused on the road and allow any passengers to handle the notification if necessary.

The Cabinet Office has issued clear guidance:

“Emergency alerts save lives. But safety on the roads comes first. If you are driving when the alert sounds, do not check your phone or attempt to switch off the alert while moving. If you need to look at your device, pull over when it’s safe to do so.”

Police forces and motoring organisations, including the RAC and AA, have echoed this warning, highlighting the risks of driver distraction during the test.

Stay safe 

Motoring groups are reminding drivers that using a handheld mobile device behind the wheel remains illegal and carries strict penalties:

  • A £200 fine

  • Six penalty points on your licence

  • Possible disqualification if you’ve passed your test in the last two years

The AA warns that even a momentary glance at a buzzing or beeping phone can significantly increase the risk of collisions.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “We support the testing of the Emergency Alerts system, which is an important tool the government uses to keep people safe in a crisis. On the day, drivers should simply stay calm and focus on the road. As always, only check your phone when you’re parked safely with the engine turned off.

Those without modern smartphones are unlikely to receive the test but can access updates via radio, television, and local news outlets.

Why It Matters

The government says the test is essential to ensure the system works nationwide and that people know what to expect during a real emergency.

“This test is part of our commitment to keeping the public safe,” said a government spokesperson. “In a genuine crisis, a few seconds of warning can save lives.”

Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, says: “Over 8 million people have already safely received Emergency Alerts in real-life scenarios, including floods and extreme storms. Emergency Alerts help us deliver lifesaving advice in an emergency, which is why it’s so important we test the system, to make sure we can keep the country safe when lives are on the line.”

Motorists

If you’re driving at 3pm on 7 September, stay calm, keep your hands on the wheel, and don’t check your phone.

The alert will automatically stop after approximately 10 seconds.

For more information, visit the official UK government page on emergency alerts.