Entering into the reverse traffic zone in this situation is

Explanation

Permitted.

The overhead panel is a reversible-lane light: the cross is out and the green downward arrow is lit. A green downward arrow means the lane beneath it is at this moment allocated to your direction of travel and entry into it is free. The double broken line beside your car also marks the boundary of that same reversible lane, and you are on the right-hand side of that line, that is, you have permission to cross it.

The reason such a lane exists is the management of asymmetric flows: in the mornings the traffic load is heavy in one direction and in the afternoons in the other, and instead of widening the road, one lane changes hands between the two directions. The main danger is exactly that: a lane that belonged to the opposing flow a few hours ago is now yours, and vice versa. That is why the only authority for the decision is the reversible-lane light, not habit and not the markings alone.

Two points to memorise: if the reversible-lane light is off or shows a red cross, entry into that lane is prohibited. And if the light goes out while you are travelling in that lane, you must return at once to the right-hand lane. In the picture you are stuck behind a lorry; the green arrow opens the way, but before changing lanes you must also have enough distance and visibility to come back.

• "Only for overtaking" adds a restriction that does not exist; when the green arrow is lit, that lane is allocated to travel in your direction and its use is not limited to overtaking. • "Prohibited" is right when a red cross is lit or the reversible-lane light is off; in the picture the green downward arrow is lit.

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