Motorways & Autowegen (joining, lanes, signs) -

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This guide covers the most tested Dutch theory points for motorways and autowegen: who may use them, speed rules, joining/leaving, rush-hour lanes, hard shoulders, and matrix lane signals.

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Key rules in 60 seconds

Who may use these roads

Motorway: only motor vehicles that can and may drive over 60 km/h.
Autoweg (expressway): only motor vehicles that can and may drive over 50 km/h.

Speed (follow signs / matrix boards)

Many motorways: 06:00–19:00 → usually 100 km/h unless signs show otherwise.
19:00–06:00 → 100 / 120 / 130 km/h depending on the route and signs.
If a rush-hour lane is open, the matrix board can show an adjusted limit.

Joining (merging)

Use the acceleration lane to build speed and merge smoothly.
Indicate, check mirrors + blind spot, then merge without forcing others to brake.
Do not stop at the end of the acceleration lane unless traffic is blocked.

Leaving (exits)

Move into the exit lane early, then slow down mainly in the deceleration lane.
Follow lane arrows/markings—don’t cut across late.

Matrix lane signals

Red cross above a lane = lane closed (do not drive in it).
Speed shown above a lane applies to that lane.

Hard shoulder

Emergency use only, unless it is officially opened as a rush-hour lane.

Detailed guide

Motorway vs Autoweg (what CBR tests)

A motorway is designed for high-speed traffic with no level junctions on the main carriageway (you use slip roads). An autoweg is an expressway that can feel similar, but may have more situations where you must anticipate earlier (signs, exits, and lane guidance).

Joining (step-by-step)

1) Check traffic early and choose a safe gap.
2) Accelerate to match traffic flow.
3) Indicate in time.
4) Mirror + blind spot check.
5) Merge smoothly; cancel the indicator after merging.

Exiting (step-by-step)

1) Indicate and move to the right in time.
2) Enter the deceleration lane.
3) Reduce speed mainly in the deceleration lane.
4) Follow arrows/markings and keep a safe line through the exit curve.

Rush-hour lane (spitsstrook)

A rush-hour lane is often the hard shoulder that becomes a normal lane when opened. You may use it only when it is clearly open (green arrow / open-lane signal). When it closes, you must leave it in time.

Hard shoulder rules

Do not use the hard shoulder for non-emergencies (phone call, short stop).
It is for emergencies, and for traffic only when officially opened.

Common mistakes to avoid

Braking hard on the main carriageway before entering the exit lane.
Stopping at the end of the acceleration lane instead of merging.
Driving under a red cross (closed lane).
Using the hard shoulder for convenience.
Late lane changes across solid lines / last-second exits.

FAQ

Is the rush-hour lane mandatory?
No. You may use it only when it is open, but you are not required to use it if you can keep right safely on the normal lanes.

Where should you slow down for an exit?
Mainly in the deceleration lane, to avoid hindering traffic on the main carriageway.

When may you use the hard shoulder?
Only in emergencies, or when it is officially opened as a traffic lane.

What does a red cross above a lane mean?
That lane is closed—do not drive in it.

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