PLUS has announced 33 Smartlane zones on the North South Highway for the Hari Raya Aidiladha holiday this week, which coincides with the YDPA’ Agong’s birthday and Wesak Day to form a long weekend. The locations span from Penang in the north to Johor – check out the list below for northern, central and southern SmartLane zones. If you’re not already aware, SmartLane is the opening of highway emergency lanes for legal use by light or passenger vehicles. It is to help smoothen traffic flow by optimising all lanes available and increase capacity at critical stretches on the highway. Note that before the start of a SmartLane, there will be signs to inform motorists 1km and 500 metres before the start point, and there will also be an electronic mobile sign board just before the start, which will have another sign with a green light. Reminders that you’re in an active SmartLane will be set up every 500 metres, and there will be a green light every 1km too. With all these in place, perhaps motorcyclists will be aware that they have to share. All good things come to an end however, and 200 metres before the end of the SmartLane, you will see a ‘TAMAT’ sign, which will also be at the end point. These reminders were issued during the previous festivals, and they should also apply now. When using the SmartLane, follow the speed limit, and PLUS recommends that you drive below 60 km/h. Once you’re in, stick to it till the end and do not merge back into the regular lane. Motorists in the leftmost regular lane are advised to give way to merging traffic at the SmartLane’s end point. Remember, the use of highway emergency lanes are only legal at designated SmartLane zones, and if you’re caught using it outside of these 30 areas, it remains an offence. Be alert and drive safe. Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro. Use the promo code 'PAULTAN' when you checkout for 10% discount!
