The road

Chapter Summary: The Road

Proper use of the road and its lanes is fundamental to safe driving. On interurban roads and motorways, the primary rule is to always drive in the right-hand lane, using the left and central lanes only for overtaking before promptly returning to the right. In contrast, within built-up urban areas, drivers are permitted to select and remain in the lane that best suits their intended destination, changing only when necessary to turn, overtake, or park.

The hard shoulder is a critical safety feature, not a regular traffic lane. Its use is reserved for emergencies, breakdowns, and specific types of road users. Vehicles such as mopeds, tractors under 3,500 kg, and vehicles for people with reduced mobility must use the hard shoulder when it is available and passable. Cyclists over 14 may use the hard shoulder on dual carriageways but are, like all cyclists and moped riders, strictly forbidden from motorways.

Vulnerable road users must follow specific rules to ensure their safety. Pedestrians outside of towns must walk on the left side, facing oncoming traffic, and are banned from motorways and dual carriageways. At night, they must wear reflective gear. Cyclists and moped riders must keep to the far right of the carriageway or use the hard shoulder. Animals must also be kept to the right-hand edge of the road.

Finally, several activities are strictly prohibited on public roads for safety reasons. Speed competitions are illegal without official authorisation. Hitchhiking and picking up hitchhikers are forbidden on motorways and dual carriageways. Special lanes, such as bus lanes and HOV lanes, have strict access rules, and manoeuvres like reversing are completely banned on high-speed roads like motorways.