The emergency lane is regulated by the Highway Code and is used for the rapid transit of emergency and surveillance vehicles. Other users can use it only in emergency situations, such as breakdowns or medical emergencies, for a maximum of three hours. Here are the rules to follow and the possible fines
What is it for?
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The emergency lane, a crucial element of motorway infrastructure and main extra-urban roads, is subject to strict regulation by the Highway Code (article 3 paragraph 1 number 15). This space, easily identifiable thanks to the continuous white line that delimits it from the main carriageway and its width of between 2.50 and 3.75 metres, plays a fundamental role in road safety. The primary function of this lane is to allow the rapid transit of emergency and surveillance vehicles, such as ambulances, police and fire brigade vehicles. Furthermore, it is intended for vehicles that transport people in medical emergencies and roadside assistance vehicles.
when can it be used
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For other road users, the use of the emergency lane is permitted only in situations of actual necessity. Therefore, in the event of mechanical failure, accident, illness or medical emergency of passengers, it is permitted to stop in this area for a maximum period of three hours (art. 176 paragraph 6). It should be noted that there are SOS columns along the route to request assistance in case of need. It is essential to mention the risks associated with the improper use of this important lane. The presence of pedestrians in this area represents a concrete danger to their safety. If you need to abandon your vehicle, it is strongly recommended to seek shelter behind the guardrail, where possible. Furthermore, prolonged parking on the emergency lane exposes you to the risk of collisions with vehicles coming from adjacent lanes. It should also be noted that it is forbidden to reverse along the emergency lanes (art. 176 paragraph 1 letter b) and also to drive except to stop or restart (art. 176 paragraph 1 letter c).
many of them
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The competent authorities have established a strict system of sanctions to discourage improper use of this lane. Unauthorized driving, reversing or remaining in the lane for more than three hours will result in fines ranging from 430 to 1,731 euros. In the first two cases, ten points will be deducted from the license, while in the third case the vehicle will be forcibly removed. Further sanctions are provided for reckless behavior: abandoning the vehicle without a justified reason can cost from 26 to 102 euros, with increased amounts in the event of failure to use the reflective jacket or failure to turn on the side lights during night time. Failure to signal the stationary vehicle with the triangle within 100 metres of distance (art. 176 paragraph 8), or using the lane to exit a junction before the 500 metres permitted in case of traffic congestion (art. 176 paragraph 4), result in fines ranging from 87 to 344 euros.
UNDER CONTROL
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It is important to remember that authorities use advanced control systems, such as speed cameras and cameras, to detect and penalize violations on these lanes, even remotely. In conclusion, the emergency lane is a vital resource for road safety, whose use must be limited to situations of real necessity. In-depth knowledge of the rules that govern its use is essential to avoid penalties and, above all, to ensure your own safety and that of other road users.
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2024-08-18 11:12:11
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