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Lane-control signal
A red cross indicates a prohibition against using the lane in the direction towards the signal. A green arrow indicates that the lane may be used. A yellow arrow indicates that the lane will be closed, and that drivers must immediately change lanes in the direction indicated by the arrow.
When you see the sign
A green arrow above the lane indicates that the lane is open and may be used in the direction of the signal. Proceed only if other signs, signals and traffic conditions allow it.
Rules
- A green arrow means that the lane beneath the signal may be used in the direction of the signal.
- The green arrow does not give you priority or override give-way obligations, speed limits or other traffic rules.
- If a lane-control signal shows a red cross, it is forbidden to use the lane in the direction of the signal.
- If the signal shows a yellow arrow, the lane will be closed, and you must change lanes immediately in the direction indicated by the arrow when this can be done safely.
Tips
- Look ahead early for the signals above each lane, especially in tunnels, at toll stations and on roads where lane usage changes.
- Check that the green arrow applies to the exact lane you are driving in, not the adjacent lane.
- Keep a safe distance so that you can change lanes in a controlled manner if the signal changes to a yellow arrow.
- Watch for subsequent lane-control signals, because a lane that is open now may be closed further ahead.
Common misconceptions
- Assuming that a green arrow means the road is clear or that you have priority. It only indicates that the lane may be used.
- Confusing the lane-control signal with an arrow signal at an intersection. The lane-control signal regulates use of the lane, not which direction you must drive in at the intersection.
- Seeing a green arrow above the adjacent lane and incorrectly assuming that your own lane is also open.
Test yourself
Easy
What does the signal in the image mean?
- AThe lane below the signal must be left immediately.
- BThe lane below the signal is only for public transport.
- CThe lane below the signal is closed.
- DThe lane below the signal may be used.
Medium
You are driving in the lane below this signal and approaching an intersection where you have vikeplikt (give-way obligation). What do you do?
- AI stop in the lane because the signal requires me to stop before the intersection.
- BI continue in the lane and go first because the signal gives me priority.
- CI change lanes because the signal warns that the lane will be closed.
- DI continue in the lane but comply with the vikeplikt at the intersection.
Hard
The signal is placed above a lane before a road intersection. What does the arrow indicate in this situation?
- AIt indicates that the lane is open, not which direction you must travel in at the intersection.
- BIt indicates that you may only turn in the direction of the arrow at the intersection.
- CIt indicates that you must drive straight ahead and have priority at the intersection.
- DIt indicates that all lanes in the same direction are open through the intersection.
Theory test tip
In the theory test, a green arrow may be displayed next to a red cross. Remember that each signal applies to the lane it is positioned above: the lane with the green arrow may be used, while the lane with the red cross is prohibited.
Did you know
Lane-control signals are used, among other places, in tunnels and on road sections where lanes may be closed or their use may change. The signals make it possible to regulate each lane separately according to traffic conditions and incidents.
Frequently asked questions
Does a green arrow give me priority?
No. The arrow only indicates that the lane is open; you must still follow give-way obligations, speed limits and other signs and signals.
What should I do if the green arrow changes to a yellow arrow?
The lane will be closed. You must change lanes immediately in the direction indicated by the yellow arrow, but the lane change must be carried out safely.
What does a red cross above the lane mean?
You are not allowed to use the lane in the direction of the signal. If you are already in the lane, you must leave it as soon as this can be done safely.
Does the signal apply to the entire carriageway?
No. A lane-control signal applies to the individual lane above which it is positioned, so adjacent lanes may have different signals.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
