Rush-hour laneWorldwide
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106. 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.
Wikimedia.org • Marco Raaphorst • CC BY
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.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 133–134; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 257–258; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, Know Your Traffic Signs, information signs

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