Standstreifen

Standstreifen is the emergency lane on motorways and some expressways in German-speaking countries. It runs along the outer edge of the carriageway, parallel to the driving lanes, and is separated from traffic by road markings and sometimes a curb. The standstreifen is designed to provide space for vehicles that have broken down or for emergency services to reach incidents without obstructing the normal flow of through traffic.

Usage and regulations: In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, regular driving on the Standstreifen is prohibited. Vehicles should move off the Standstreifen as far as possible in case of a breakdown, switch on hazard lights, and, if safe, place warning devices. The lane is typically narrower and has different surface conditions than driving lanes, and it is patrolled to remove disabled vehicles promptly. Exceptions may occur when authorities authorize its temporary use for incident management or during special traffic operations.

Terminology and regional variation: The term Standstreifen is common in standard language; Pannenstreifen is another widely used term, especially in colloquial speech. In some non-German-speaking countries, the equivalent concept is referred to as the hard shoulder or emergency lane. The precise rules and markings can vary by country and road type, so drivers should follow local traffic regulations and signage.