Definition
The hard shoulder is the strip of road outside the carriageway, adjacent to it and separated by a longitudinal line. It is intended for occasional use: emergency stops, pedestrian or animal crossing, and in some cases for bicycles and mopeds.
Key facts
- Not a regular driving lane: only used out of necessity or emergency.
- When passable, slow special vehicles and combinations must use it.
- Bicycles may ride on the right-hand shoulder where it exists and is practicable.
- Pedestrians on interurban roads without sidewalks must walk on the LEFT shoulder, facing traffic.
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