The pair, aged just 13 and 15, were arrested following a police pursuit on the M6 after frantic motorists reported the Mercedes driving towards oncoming traffic.
Following their arrest, officers learned that the boys had travelled from Motherwell in Scotland - 170 miles away.
The hair-raising incident led to police shutting the M6 northbound at 7.40am, with traffic held between junctions 34 (Lancaster, Morecambe) and 35 (Carnforth) for around 40 minutes.
Most Popular
-
1
Video shows man in van wielding weapon in Preston city centre fight
-
2
Dramatic reduction in speed limit on major route into Preston through South Ribble
-
3
Lewis Turner inquest: moped rider "travelling at motorway speeds" on residential New Longton road and without fastened helmet before fatal crash
-
4
Real Housewives of Cheshire: former star of hit TV show set to visit Chorley boutique
-
5
Lancashire Police investigate after man found critically injured outside Preston’s Harris Museum
Patrols pursued the driver before the Mercedes was abandoned on the motorway, with two people seen fleeing the car and running away.
Officers chased after the suspects and soon detained two boys, who have been arrested and taken into custody.
No injuries have been reported.
A police spokesman said: "Two people have been arrested after an incident on the M6 earlier today.
"Police were called at about 7.40am to a report of a car driving the wrong way on the Northbound carriageway of the motorway between J35 and J34.
"Two people were then seen to make off from the car – a Mercedes – and were arrested a short time later.
"Two youths, aged 13 and 15, have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and are currently in custody.
"Traffic on the motorway was stopped for a short time whilst we dealt with the incident and we would like to thank everyone who was affected for their patience and understanding."