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Rush-hour laneNetherlands

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Netherlands

47. Rush-hour lane

A rush-hour lane is an additional traffic lane that is opened temporarily when traffic is heavy to increase the capacity of a road. It is commonly found on motorways and may use part of the emergency shoulder or another lane that is normally closed to regular traffic.

Rush-hour lanes are usually controlled by dynamic signs or lane-control signals. Drivers may use the lane only when it is shown as open and must leave it when signs or signals indicate that it is closing or closed.

Rush-hour lane
Open rush-hour lane on the northbound A13 motorway. (Netherlands)
Wikimedia.org • Marco Raaphorst • CC BY
What is a rush-hour lane?

A rush-hour lane is an additional lane that can be opened temporarily during periods of heavy traffic to provide extra road capacity.

When can you use a rush-hour lane?

You may use a rush-hour lane only when the applicable traffic signs or lane-control signals indicate that it is open. The exact rules and signals vary between countries.

What should you do when a rush-hour lane is closed?

Do not continue driving in the lane when signs or signals indicate that it is closed. Move into an open traffic lane safely and follow any directional signals provided above the roadway.

1 Netherlands 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Cycling street 10 Pedestrian zone 11 Slope 12 Bus stop 13 Dead end 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Priority road 18 Railway crossing 19 School area 20 Overtaking 21 Crossing animals 22 Roadworks 23 Weight limit 24 Radar speed sign 25 Selective barriers 26 Low-emission zone 27 Priority at the next junction 28 Traffic lights 29 Traffic lights warning 30 Road markings 31 Speed feedback 32 Traffic mirror 33 Emergency telephone 34 Cycling route 35 Parking 36 No parking 37 No stopping 38 Park and ride 39 Kiss and ride 40 Parking disc 41 Disabled parking 42 Traffic management 43 Merging 44 Reversing 45 Uncontrolled crossroad 46 Advisory cycle lane 47 Rush-hour lane 48 Emergency exit 49 Oversize load 50 City limit 51 Parking zone 52 Axle weight limit 53 Licence plate 54 Charging station 55 Dangers 56 Equestrian trail 57 Cyclist 58 Truck 59 Bus 60 Police 61 Ambulance 62 Bicycle parking station 63 Tram lights 64 European emission standard 65 Pothole 66 Path 67 Particulates 68 Air pollution 69 Rush hour 70 Road code 71 Street gutter 72 Cargo bike 73 Forestry vehicle 74 Construction vehicle 75 Semi-trailer truck 76 Trolleybus 77 Speed pedelec 78 Delivery vehicle 79 Idling 80 Tow truck 81 Four-wheel drive 82 No vehicles 83 Bicycle 84 Motorcycle equipment 85 Rail track 86 Caravan 87 Trailer 88 Tow hitch 89 Fire truck 90 Siren 91 Convoy 92 Emergency vehicle lighting 93 Agricultural machinery 94 Electric bicycle 95 Electric vehicle 96 Pedelec 97 Quadricycle 98 Microcar 99 All-terrain vehicle 100 Van ...