Rescue laneWorldwide
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187. Rescue lane
A rescue lane, also called an emergency corridor, is a clear space created between lanes of congested traffic so emergency and authorised assistance vehicles can reach an incident quickly. Drivers normally form the lane as soon as traffic becomes heavily congested rather than waiting until an emergency vehicle approaches. The exact position of the rescue lane and which vehicles may use it vary between countries, so drivers should know the local rules before travelling.
Wikimedia.org • TypeZero • CC BY-SA
What is a rescue lane?
A rescue lane is a clear corridor formed between lanes of congested traffic so emergency and authorised assistance vehicles can pass.
🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO section 11(2), emergency corridor; German example
When should you create a rescue lane?
Follow the local rule and form the corridor at the required stage. For example, Germany requires it on motorways and qualifying roads outside built-up areas when traffic is stationary or moving at walking pace, rather than waiting for an emergency vehicle to arrive.
🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO section 11(2), emergency corridor; German example
Where is a rescue lane formed?
Follow the local rules for the road and direction of traffic. Germany, for example, requires the corridor between the leftmost lane and the lane immediately to its right on the roads covered by its rule. That arrangement is not a worldwide requirement.
🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO section 11(2), emergency corridor; German example

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