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Heavy traffic lane
The sign indicates that a lane for heavy traffic begins and that the provisions of the traffic rules concerning heavy traffic lanes apply. The sign applies up to sign 507 “End of heavy traffic lane” or up to the first road junction. The sign is also cancelled by direction signs indicating another use of the lane. 507 (Example)
When you see the sign
The sign indicates that a lane for heavy traffic begins. Before using the lane, you must check the vehicle’s or vehicle combination’s permitted gross weight; an ordinary passenger car below the weight limit must stay out of the lane.
Rules
- The lane may be used by a motor vehicle or vehicle combination with a permitted gross weight above the limit shown on the sign, which here is 7.5 t.
- It is the permitted gross weight—not the vehicle’s actual weight or the load it is carrying that day—that determines whether the lane may be used.
- The sign applies up to sign 507 «Slutt på tungtrafikkfelt» or the first road junction.
- The arrangement also ends if a direction sign indicates that the lane is to be used in another way.
Tips
- Check the vehicle registration document for the permitted gross weight if you are unsure whether the vehicle or vehicle combination qualifies.
- Do not use the lane in an ordinary passenger car simply to get past a queue or overtake.
- Look out for sign 507 and road junctions, as the lane’s special rules may end before you have travelled very far.
- Remember that the sign permits qualifying vehicles to use the lane, but does not automatically require them to do so.
Common misconceptions
- Assuming that the sign means all lorries must drive in the lane. It indicates who may use the lane, not a general obligation to do so.
- Assessing the vehicle’s actual weight instead of its permitted gross weight.
- Mistaking the lane for a public transport lane and assuming that buses, taxis or electric cars may automatically use it regardless of weight.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign indicate?
- AThat a lane for heavy traffic begins, and that the applicable limit is shown on the sign
- BThat a road where the trafikkreglene for motortrafikkveg (traffic regulations for a motor traffic road) apply begins
- CThat a lane for vehicles carrying a specified number of people begins
- DThat a lane for buses, taxis and other vehicles with special access begins
Medium
The sign shows 7.5 t. You are legally driving a passenger car and trailer where the permitted total weight of the vehicle combination is 4 000 kg. What is correct when you pass the sign?
- AYou cannot use the lane because the vehicle combination is below the limit shown on the sign
- BYou can use the lane because the vehicle combination has a trailer
- CYou must use the lane because all vehicle combinations must drive in a heavy-traffic lane
- DYou can use the lane because the actual weight is lower than the permitted weight
Hard
You pass the sign and then reach the first road junction. No end sign or direction sign has been installed that changes the use of the lane. What applies after the junction?
- AThe arrangement ends at the junction, even though no separate end sign is displayed
- BThe arrangement continues until a separate end sign is installed
- CThe arrangement ends at the junction only if you turn onto another road
- DThe arrangement continues until the road becomes a motorveg
Theory test tip
A common trap is the question of how long the sign applies. The correct answer may be «to the first road junction», even if sign 507 has not been installed.
Did you know
Heavy-traffic lanes can be used to separate heavier vehicles from other traffic, for example on stretches where heavy vehicles have different speed characteristics from passenger cars.
Frequently asked questions
Can an ordinary passenger car use the lane when there is little traffic?
No, not if the car or vehicle combination has a permitted gross weight at or below the limit shown on the sign. The volume of traffic does not change the weight requirement.
Can a passenger car with a trailer use the lane?
Yes, if the vehicle combination’s permitted gross weight is above the limit shown on the sign and the driver has the appropriate driving entitlement. The permitted weights, not the actual load, are what matters.
Must all heavy vehicles use the lane?
No, the sign indicates that the lane is reserved for qualifying traffic. It does not in itself require all heavy vehicles to choose that lane.
When do the rules for the lane stop applying?
They apply up to sign 507, the first road junction, or until a direction sign indicates another use of the lane. You must therefore watch for both junctions and further signs.
Practise for the theory test
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