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Carpool lane (Sambruksfelt)
The sign indicates that sambruksfelt begins and that the provisions of the traffic rules concerning sambruksfelt apply. The lane may be used by taxis equipped with a roof light and buses, as well as by motor vehicles transporting at least the number of persons indicated by the number on the sign. Buses with up to 16 passenger seats in addition to the driver's seat, and which are not used for licensed passenger transport, are also subject to the sign's requirement concerning the number of persons. The sign applies up to sign 511 “End of sambruksfelt” or up to the first road junction. The sign is also cancelled by direction signs indicating another use of the lane.
When you see the sign
Check the number on the sign and whether the vehicle is carrying at least that many people, including the driver. If you do not meet the conditions for using the lane, stay out of it or change lanes safely and legally before the HOV lane begins.
Rules
- A motor vehicle may use the lane when it is carrying at least the number of people indicated by the number on the sign.
- A taxi with a roof light and a bus may use the lane.
- A bus with up to 16 passenger seats in addition to the driver's seat must meet the sign's occupancy requirement if it is not being used for licensed passenger transport.
- The sign applies up to sign 511 «Slutt på sambruksfelt» or the first intersection.
- A direction sign indicating a different use of the lane cancels the HOV lane.
Tips
- Read the number on the sign carefully; «2+» means at least two people in total in the vehicle, including the driver.
- Count the people before choosing the lane, and do not move into it if you are alone and do not belong to a vehicle category that is permitted to use it.
- Be aware of the first intersection, because the regulation normally has to be signed again after the intersection for it to continue.
- Look for direction signs that may change how the lane is used before continuing in it.
Common misconceptions
- Thinking that the lane is only for buses and taxis. Ordinary motor vehicles may also use it when the occupancy requirement is met.
- Interpreting «2+» as two passengers in addition to the driver. The driver is included in the number.
- Thinking that the sign applies all the way to an explicit end sign. Its effect also ends at the first intersection or when a direction sign indicates a different use.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign mean?
- AA lane begins where only buses and taxis with roof lights may drive.
- BA lane begins where motor vehicles may drive when the stated occupancy requirement is met.
- CA lane begins where only heavy motor vehicles may drive.
- DA motortrafikkveg begins where only specified motor vehicles may drive.
Medium
The sign shows «2+». You are driving a passenger car with one passenger. What applies?
- AYou may not use the lane because the lane applies only to buses and taxis.
- BYou may use the lane because the driver and the passenger count as two people.
- CYou may not use the lane because the car must have at least two passengers.
- DYou may use the lane only if the car has at least three people.
Hard
You pass this sign and then drive through the first junction. There is no end sign after the junction. What applies?
- AThe lane's special use continues until the next rundkjøring.
- BThe lane's special use continues until an explicit end sign.
- CThe lane's special use ended at the first junction.
- DThe lane's special use ended only after the next direction sign.
Theory test tip
A typical trap is the difference between an HOV lane and a public-transport lane: A number such as «2+» or «3+» indicates the minimum number of people an ordinary motor vehicle must carry, and the driver counts.
Did you know
HOV lanes are based on the same idea as international HOV lanes: lanes for vehicles carrying several people. The purpose is to make better use of road capacity by giving carpooling an advantage.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive in the lane in an ordinary passenger car?
Yes, if the car is carrying at least the number of people shown on the sign. If the sign shows «2+», the driver and one passenger are sufficient.
Can a taxi use the lane without a passenger?
A taxi may use the lane when it is equipped with a roof light. The right to use the lane therefore follows the taxi's status and equipment, not the specified number of people.
Does the sign apply after an intersection?
No, the sign ceases to apply at the first intersection. If the HOV lane is to continue, the regulation must be indicated again.
Must a minibus always meet the occupancy requirement?
A bus with up to 16 passenger seats in addition to the driver's seat must meet the occupancy requirement when it is not being used for licensed passenger transport. This prevents such a bus from automatically being allowed to use the lane simply because it is registered as a bus.
Practise for the theory test
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