A 3-minute lesson from the Wisconsin course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Reserved lanes are for certain vehicles only, like buses, bikes or carpools, and are marked with a white diamond. Flex lanes turn a paved shoulder into a travel lane when signals say it's open.
Reserved lane
A lane for special vehicles only. Its signs often show a white diamond, and the diamond is also marked on the road.
It's illegal to drive in a reserved lane unless you're operating that type of vehicle. Exception: you may enter it to turn across it within the next half block.
Example sign “Buses and 4 Rider Car Pools Only, MON–FRI 6AM–9AM”: a car needs four people in it, the rule applies 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday, and buses may also use the lane.
A paved highway shoulder you may use as a travel lane when signs allow. A solid yellow line separates it; traffic volume and special events decide when it's open.
Flex lane on the shoulder with lane signals overhead
Put it into practice
You want to turn right into a driveway, and a bus-only lane runs along the curb. You may move into it within the last half block before your turn. If a bicyclist is in it, slow down, move in behind them and turn when it's safe.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
When may you drive in a reserved (diamond-marked) lane if you're not operating that type of vehicle?
Only between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Anytime traffic is heavy
Never, under any circumstance
To turn across it within the next half block
Answer: To turn across it within the next half block
You may travel in a reserved lane if you need to turn across it within the next half block.
