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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 yellow arrow pointing right above the lane warns that the lane will be closed. You must immediately prepare for and carry out a safe lane change to the right, without forcing others to brake or yield.
Rules
- A yellow arrow pointing right means that the lane beneath the signal will be closed.
- You must immediately move into the lane in the direction indicated by the arrow, namely to the right.
- When changing lanes, you must yield to traffic in the lane you are moving into.
- When the signal shows a red cross, it is prohibited to use the lane in the direction of the signal.
- A green arrow means that the lane may be used, but it does not exempt you from following the other traffic rules.
Tips
- Look well ahead and check the lane-use signals early, especially in tunnels and on roads where lane use changes.
- When you see a yellow arrow pointing right: check your mirrors, signal, check your blind spot and change lanes as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Do not wait until the lane is physically blocked or the signal changes to a red cross.
- Follow the signal above your lane, not the signal above the neighbouring lane.
Common misconceptions
- Thinking that a yellow arrow is merely a recommendation. It requires you to leave the lane immediately in the direction of the arrow.
- Confusing a yellow arrow with a standard yellow light in a main signal. A lane-use signal warns that a specific lane is closing; it does not mean that you should stop at a stop line.
- Changing lanes abruptly because the arrow is displayed. You must still give way when changing lanes.
Test yourself
Easy
What does the signal shown above the lane mean?
- AThe lane will be closed, and you must stop immediately in the lane.
- BThe lane will be closed, and you must immediately change to the right.
- CThe lane may be used, and you may continue straight ahead.
- DThe lane is closed, and you must immediately reverse out of the lane.
Medium
You are driving in the lane below the signal, and there is traffic in the lane to the right. What should you do?
- AYou must change to the right as soon as this can be done without obstructing the traffic there.
- BYou must change to the right immediately and require the traffic there to let you in.
- CYou must stop in the same lane and wait until the signal shows a green arrow.
- DYou must continue in the same lane until the traffic to the right has passed the signal.
Hard
How does this signal differ from an ordinary yellow light in a main signal?
- AIt requires you to leave the lane to the right, rather than stop at a stop line.
- BIt warns of a green light to the right, rather than that the lane will be closed.
- CIt requires you to stop at the stop line, rather than leave the lane to the right.
- DIt gives you priority to the right, rather than vikeplikt during the lane change itself.
Theory test tip
Look carefully at both the symbol and the direction: A yellow arrow means that the lane must be left immediately, and the arrow shows which neighbouring lane you should move towards. The common trap is to choose «stop», which applies to a yellow light in a main signal, not to a yellow arrow in a lane-use signal.
Did you know
Lane-use signals are used, among other places, in tunnels, for queue management and on roads where lanes may be opened or closed depending on traffic conditions, accidents or maintenance work.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to change lanes immediately when the arrow is yellow?
Yes, you must immediately change lanes in the direction of the arrow. However, the lane change must still be carried out safely, and you must yield to traffic in the lane you are moving into.
What should I do if there is no room in the lane to the right?
Signal, adjust your speed and find the first safe opportunity to change lanes without obstructing or endangering others. You must not force your way in, but neither should you continue unnecessarily long in the lane that is closing.
What does it mean if the signal changes to a red cross?
It is then prohibited to use the lane in the direction of the signal. You should already have left the lane after the warning given by the yellow arrow.
Does the signal apply to the entire road?
No, the lane-use signal applies to the lane it is positioned above. You must therefore check the signal above your own lane.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
