Reversible lanes are used by the authorities to try to ease traffic at specific times when there is heavy congestion or a risk of traffic jams. These lanes have specific rules, so if you drive in them, you must follow those rules.
Therefore, if you are unfamiliar with the traffic code for these lanes, it is worth reading what follows — a subject that, as workshops specialised in car glass repair, we know well.
What are reversible lanes?
Perhaps in some smaller provinces the use of reversible lanes is not as common, but in cities with high volumes of traffic they are a regular feature. Indeed, on some exits from large cities, during rush hours and on the eve of major holidays, traffic congestion and reversible lanes become routine on days of mass travel.
Once again, as a car glass workshop, we recommend that before a trip you check your wiper blades and replace them if necessary, and perhaps take advantage of your visit to the workshop to have your windows tinted or carry out a car glass repair — as setting off on the road with your car in optimal condition can help prevent unexpected incidents on the asphalt.
Returning to the subject, in order to ease traffic both on dual carriageways and motorways, the DGT uses this type of reversible lane by installing cones and thus enabling an extra traffic lane. But what rules must be followed in these lanes?
Vehicle dipped headlights must be on, whether it is day or night, to make all vehicles driving there more visible.
- You must not exceed 80 km/h, nor go below 60 km/h.
- Only cars without trailers and motorbikes are permitted to use them.
- It is essential to maintain a safe following distance as there are no lateral ‘escape’ routes.
- If the rules are not followed, you may face a penalty, as stated in the Traffic and Road Safety Code.
Thus, according to point 2, section b of article 42 of the Traffic and Road Safety Code, which refers to the mandatory use of lights, it is specified that all vehicles driving in this lane must carry dipped headlights on; otherwise, they will face a €200 fine, which may be reduced by half if paid within the voluntary payment period.
In addition to following these traffic rules, at Ralarsa, as a car glass repair workshop, we recommend exercising extreme caution in these lanes, as their activation means there are major traffic jams — and it is in these stretches where most accidents can occur.
Furthermore, if you are planning a journey, whether long or short, we recommend getting your vehicle ready. This is the perfect time to visit your nearest car glass workshop for a car glass repair, wiper blade replacement, or car window tinting.
At Ralarsa, we advise that, in addition to getting your car ready before setting off, you check the traffic forecast according to the time and weather, as a cautious driver is worth two. Also, checking your planned route and the exits you will take at different points along the journey will make you feel safer behind the wheel and will increase your road safety.
