When may you use the hard shoulder?

When may you use the hard shoulder?

• A. Only in an emergency or if directed by police
• B. For a routine stop
• C. For overtaking slower traffic
• D. To park while waiting for fuel

Answer: (A)

The hard shoulder is for emergencies only. It isn’t a normal stopping lane, nor a place to wait for fuel or to overtake slower traffic. You may use it if you have a breakdown or other emergency, or if police or traffic authorities explicitly direct you to do so. In that case, move as far to the left as is safe, switch on your hazard lights, and get help—via an emergency telephone or your phone if you can call for assistance. This is why the other options don’t fit: stopping routinely on the hard shoulder or using it to overtake or park would create danger and obstruct traffic, increasing the risk of a collision.

The hard shoulder is for emergencies only. It isn’t a normal stopping lane, nor a place to wait for fuel or to overtake slower traffic. You may use it if you have a breakdown or other emergency, or if police or traffic authorities explicitly direct you to do so. In that case, move as far to the left as is safe, switch on your hazard lights, and get help—via an emergency telephone or your phone if you can call for assistance.

This is why the other options don’t fit: stopping routinely on the hard shoulder or using it to overtake or park would create danger and obstruct traffic, increasing the risk of a collision.