Inhaalsporen

Inhaalsporen are designated sections of a road intended to facilitate overtaking by faster vehicles of slower traffic. They are typically found on single-lane, two-way roads and appear as a widened shoulder or a short additional lane, usually positioned on sections where visibility or road geometry makes overtaking risky in a standard lane.

Design and use: Inhaalsporen are placed where overtaking would otherwise require moving into the oncoming traffic lane or where the driver-to-driver sight distance is limited, such as on steep grades or curves. They are not meant for long-term or habitual passing; drivers use them to pass one vehicle and then return to the regular lane when it is safe to do so. Traffic markings and signs indicate when overtaking is allowed or prohibited.

Regulation and safety: Use of an inhaalspoor is typically conditional on road markings, signs, and the absence of oncoming traffic. Drivers should signal, accelerate only to a safe speed, and re-enter the main lane only when clear of the overtaken vehicle and with enough space to maintain a safe following distance. Overtaking in anhaalsporen where it is prohibited or when visibility is insufficient poses significant safety risks and can be illegal.

Variations and terminology: The term is mainly used in Dutch-speaking regions. In some road networks comparable facilities are referred to as passing lanes, climbing lanes, or turnout areas. While sharing the same purpose, the exact design, length, and rules governing inhaalsporen can vary by country and region.

See also: overtaking, passing lane, road safety, traffic regulations.