On a three-lane motorway the driving rules are the same as on a two-lane motorway: drivers must use the rightmost lane when it is free. The middle lane, like the left one, must be used only for overtaking.
On a three-lane motorway the rules of driving are the same as on a two-lane motorway on a two-lane motorway: drivers must use the rightmost lane when it is free. The middle lane, like the left one, must be used only for be used for overtaking only.
3 lanes: the rules of the road
Remember, overtaking is always done from the left and must be signalled by using your indicator to overtake but also to turn back! Once you have overtaken one or more vehicles you must turn right until the next overtaking.
Many motorists have a bad habit of staying in the middle lane even when the right lane is available, have the right reflex: after overtaking, pull over!
An exception: the slow lane
On certain stretches of motorway with a high proportion of heavy goods vehicles, a special slow lane has been set up to ensure that these vehicles do not obstruct traffic. Slow lanes are for vehicles that cannot travel faster than 60 km/h: they are not reserved for trucks, all vehicles that cannot exceed 60 km/h can use them.
These lanes are indicated by a "slow vehicles" sign and separated from the other two lanes by road markings. If you are driving on a section of motorway with a slow lane, you must exceptionally drive in the lane to the left of it.
Can the emergency route be used?
As its name suggests, the hard shoulder is reserved for emergency situations. It must be left free to allow the movement of to allow the circulation of emergency and intervention vehicles.
If you drive on the hard shoulder without a valid reason, you risk a fixed fine of 135 euros and the loss of three points on your licence. In addition, you endanger other motorists by obstructing the hard shoulder: it must remain free for the police, emergency services, breakdown services and motorway intervention teams.
If you need to stop but it is not an emergency bear in mind that there is a motorway service area every 20 km on average.