Rush-hour lane

A rush-hour lane is an emergency lane that is opened as a regular lane when traffic is heavy. In practice, this will often be the case during peak hours, but, depending on traffic demand, the hard shoulder may also be opened at other times.

Outside this opening, the hard shoulder will continue to fulfill its normal function as a hard shoulder.

To drive on a rush-hour lane, you must drive over the solid line. This is of course permitted. Even if you want to leave the rush-hour lane, you are allowed to cross the solid line.

If you are not overtaking another vehicle, you are obliged to drive on the rush-hour lane, because your place on the carriageway is as far as possible on the right.

At intervals of 500 to 1,000 meters, emergency refuge area have been built to take over the function of emergency lanes. Also, rush-hour lanes are equipped with cameras that can quickly detect breakdowns and accidents from Rijkswaterstaat’s traffic control centers.

Do you have to stop because your vehicle breaks down on a rush-hour lane? Then call 112 immediately!

1 or more red crosses above the lane will then be switched on as soon as possible.

Article 1 of the RVV:
Rush hour lane: the hard shoulder designated as a lane as shown by sign C23-01.