The Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) uses hard shoulder running (HSR) to reduce traffic jams on busy sections of highway. This involves temporarily opening the hard shoulder as an additional lane. This is indicated by green arrows above the road, as stated by the Federal Roads Office FEDRO.
If the signal shows a green arrow, the hard shoulder is open. If it shows a red cross, it remains closed. If the display is off, normal operation applies. This allows the number of lanes in use to be flexibly adjusted depending on the traffic situation.
Rules for driving on HSR routes
When driving on a HSR route, you may only cross the edge line when the green arrow is lit. In this case, the hard shoulder is treated like a normal right-hand lane. The rule to keep to the right therefore remains in force.
If the signal is red, the hard shoulder may only be used in an emergency. In the event of a breakdown during the active HSR phase, drivers should, if possible, drive to the nearest emergency lay-by, which is available at least every 1,000 meters.
Safety takes priority
To ensure that PUN functions safely, FEDRO’s traffic management center (VMZ-CH) monitors the affected sections of highway around the clock. If it detects an obstacle, such as a vehicle or a lost object, the lane is immediately closed.
Light signals always take precedence over markings. This prevents misconduct and ensures clear traffic management, even in changing conditions.
Effective measure against traffic jams
Experience from Switzerland and abroad shows that the use of hard shoulders not only reduces traffic jams, but also improves air quality and reduces noise pollution. It is considered an effective temporary solution until new infrastructure projects bring long-term relief.
Switzerland is thus proving that intelligent transport systems can make an important contribution to greater efficiency and safety on national roads.
What does hard shoulder running (HSR) mean?
HSR allows the hard shoulder to be used as an additional lane during periods of heavy traffic.
How can I tell if the hard shoulder is open to traffic?
On HSR routes, electronic signals above the road indicate whether the hard shoulder may be used:
- Green arrow: The hard shoulder is open as a lane.
- Red cross: The hard shoulder is closed.
- Display off: Normal operation applies – the hard shoulder is closed. In addition, signal boards at the edge of the road provide information about the current number of open lanes.
When can I use the hard shoulder as a lane?
Only when the green arrows above the roadway are lit. Without this authorization, the hard shoulder is intended for emergencies only – such as a breakdown.
What do the green arrows and red crosses above the roadway on PUN routes mean?
The symbols indicate whether the hard shoulder may be used.
A green arrow means that the lane is open.
A red cross indicates that driving is prohibited.
If the signs are switched off, normal operation without PUN approval applies.
Am I allowed to cross the line between the normal lane and the hard shoulder?
Yes, this is permitted – but only when PUN approval is active (green arrow). In this case, the solid line may be crossed in both directions.
Important: Even in PUN mode, the rule to drive on the right applies – the hard shoulder must be used like any other right-hand lane.
Is it always permitted to drive on the hard shoulder?
No, only when the green arrow is active. Otherwise, the hard shoulder may only be used in an emergency.
Who monitors the HSR routes?
The Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) traffic management center (VMZ-CH) monitors the routes around the clock and closes them in the event of obstacles.
What are the benefits of using the hard shoulder?
It reduces traffic jams, improves traffic flow, and at the same time reduces noise and pollution.
Does the rule to drive on the right apply on the open hard shoulder?
Yes. When the hard shoulder is open as a lane, the normal rule to drive on the right applies. Overtaking should still take place in the left lanes.
Why is the hard shoulder on HSR routes not specially marked?
Additional markings are not necessary. According to traffic regulations, light signals take precedence over markings. So when the green arrow is lit, the hard shoulder may be used – otherwise it remains reserved exclusively for emergencies.
What happens if a vehicle breaks down on the hard shoulder?
If an obstacle is detected – such as a broken-down vehicle or an object – the VMZ-CH immediately closes the lane. This prevents subsequent vehicles from being endangered.
What should I do if I break down during an active HSR phase?
Try to drive to the nearest emergency lay-by. These are located at least every 1,000 meters on HSR routes. If HSR is not in operation, you may stop on the hard shoulder as usual.
