Lane

The image shows two carriageways.
Each carriageway is divided into three lanes.
A total of six lanes are used.

A lane is part of the carriageway. Vehicles can drive on a lane. A carriageway can consist of one, two, or even more lanes.

According to the Road Traffic Regulations (RVV), a lane must be wide enough for motor vehicles with more than two wheels. Therefore, in the Netherlands, a bicycle lane is not formally considered a lane.

Within a carriageway, lanes are separated by road markings. The markings between two lanes can be broken or solid lines, or block markings (for acceleration and deceleration lanes). The edge line separates the outer lanes from the emergency lane or hard shoulder.

Article 1 of the Road Traffic Regulations (RVV).
Lane: A portion of the carriageway marked by solid or broken lines, wide enough to accommodate drivers of motor vehicles with more than two wheels.