Emergency lay-by (555)

Emergency lay-by

Information Signs Sign number: 555

The sign indicates an emergency lay-by.

When you see the sign

The sign indicates that there is an emergency lay-by where a vehicle can stop in the event of a breakdown, damage or another emergency. Continue normally if you do not need to make an emergency stop, and watch out for vehicles or people near the lay-by.

Rules

  • The emergency lay-by is intended for vehicles that have to stop because of a breakdown or an emergency, not for ordinary parking or taking a break.
  • In an emergency stop, the vehicle must be positioned as far into the emergency lay-by as possible so that it does not obstruct traffic.
  • If the vehicle could pose a danger, you must warn other road users with hazard warning lights and a warning triangle when this can be done safely.
  • The sign does not change the speed limit and does not indicate that a motorway, motor traffic road or a particular lane begins or ends.

Tips

  • Reduce your speed in a controlled manner and signal well in advance if you need to enter the emergency lay-by.
  • Stop as far from the normal lane as possible, and turn the wheels so that the car cannot easily roll out onto the road.
  • Put on a high-visibility vest before getting out if the situation allows, and use the emergency telephone if the lay-by is equipped with one.
  • In a tunnel, follow the signs and safety instructions and stay in a safe place away from traffic.

Common misconceptions

  • !Thinking that the emergency lay-by is an ordinary rest area where you can stop to use your phone or take a break.
  • !Mistaking the sign for one indicating that an additional lane begins.
  • !Thinking that the sign itself changes the speed limit or the status of the road.

Test yourself

Easy

Emergency lay-by (555)

What does this sign mean?

  • AIt indicates an area for necessary stopping in the event of a breakdown or emergency.
  • BIt indicates that an extra lane for heavy traffic begins.
  • CIt indicates that the provisions of the traffic rules concerning motorveg begin.
  • DIt indicates a rest area for parking, using the telephone or taking short breaks.

Medium

You have an engine breakdown and manage to drive into the area shown by the sign. What should you do?

  • APlace the car as far in as possible and warn others if the car may pose a danger.
  • BPlace the car in the middle of the area and wait to warn others until help arrives.
  • CPlace the car as close as possible to the lane so that the recovery vehicle can find it quickly.
  • DPlace the car at the outer edge of the area and do not use the hazard warning lights.

Hard

You pass the sign on a motortrafikkveg with a signed speed limit. Which statement is correct?

  • AA new lane begins at the sign, while the road's status continues to apply.
  • BThe road's status and speed limit continue, while the area is only intended for necessary stopping.
  • CThe road's status ends at the sign, while the signed speed limit continues to apply.
  • DThe speed limit ends at the sign, while the road's status continues to apply.

Theory test tip

In the theory test, the trap may be that the emergency lay-by is presented as an ordinary parking or rest area. Its correct meaning is a place for stopping when necessary due to a breakdown or emergency.

Did you know

Emergency lay-bys are used particularly on road sections and in tunnels where it is difficult or dangerous to stop at the side of the road. In tunnels, they may also be equipped with an emergency telephone, fire-extinguishing equipment or other safety equipment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the lay-by to take a short break?

No, it is intended for breakdowns and emergencies, not as an ordinary rest or parking area. Use a normal rest area or car park if you need a break.

Do I have to drive into the lay-by when I see the sign?

No. You should continue normally if the vehicle is working and there is no emergency.

What should I do if my car stops in an emergency lay-by?

Position the car fully inside the lay-by, switch on the hazard warning lights and warn other road users if the car could pose a danger. Put on a high-visibility vest and seek help from a safe location.

Does the sign mean that the speed limit is reduced?

No, the sign does not set a speed limit. The applicable speed limit is indicated by separate speed-limit signs or follows from the general speed limits.

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