Motorway and expressway

Special rules for high-speed roads

High-speed driving requires special rules

Driving on motorways and expressways is subject to special rules to ensure optimal traffic flow and safety.

Vehicle requirements

Minimum speed

50 km/h minimum: Motor vehicles must be able to travel at least 50 km/h on flat terrain in order to use motorways, expressways, and entry or exit roads.

Special permits

Heavy haulage vehicles: The police may permit the use of heavy haulage vehicles for transport if other solutions are not reasonable or possible
Other motor-driven vehicles: Commercial driving may be permitted by the police on fixed links such as bridges and tunnels when no reasonable alternative routes exist

Prohibited vehicles

Moped riding is prohibited on bridges and tunnels, even though other motor-driven vehicles may be granted permission.

Legislation and payment

The Ministry of Transport, Building and Housing may set rules for motor-driven vehicles
Rules may be set regarding payment for police assistance after negotiation with the Ministry of Justice

Entry and exit

Entry

Entry onto motorways and expressways is only permitted via:

The beginning of the road
Specially constructed entry roads

Exit

Exit must take place at:

The end of the road
Specially constructed exit roads

Prohibitions

The following is prohibited:

Driving across the central reservation: It is not permitted to drive over or through the central reservation
U-turns and reversing: Prohibited on motorways and entry or exit roads
Stopping/parking: Only permitted at designated parking and rest areas

Exception: Stopping at emergency telephones is permitted in order to use them.

Driving in lanes

Restrictions for heavy vehicles

On roads with three or more lanes in the same direction, the following may only use the two right-hand lanes:

Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes
Vehicle combinations over 7 metres

Unless otherwise indicated by signage.

Road works

Special requirements

Road works on motorways, entry roads, and exit roads must be carried out with particular care.

Equipment requirements

Yellow flashing lights that are visible from all directions
Correct entry and exit if the vehicles are not covered by section 44(1)

Motorways

Motorways are special road sections where specific driving rules apply. The sign indicates that the rules for driving on motorways and on entry and exit roads to motorways apply in this area in accordance with sections 44-47 of the Road Traffic Act.

Expressways

Expressways are special roads where specific driving rules apply. The sign indicates that the rules for driving on expressways and on entry and exit roads to expressways apply in this area in accordance with section 48 of the Road Traffic Act.