How should you drive on rush-hour lanes (“Spitsstrook”) in the Netherlands if they are open?

How should you drive on rush-hour lanes ("Spitsstrook") in the Netherlands if they are open? The Netherlands has so called rush-hour lanes, which are often emergency lanes that are opened for traffic during rush hours. They are always indicated with green arrows above the highway.

1. What is Spitsstrook lane?
2. What is a rush hour lane?

What is Spitsstrook lane?

spitsstrook f (plural spitsstroken, diminutive spitsstrookje n ) A lane or shoulder on a road, esp. a highway, that is open to traffic during rush hour.

What is a rush hour lane?

A rush-hour lane is a hard shoulder that can be made available for traffic when it's busy on the road. Traffic signs indicate where the rush-hour lane begins. You can only make use of these lanes if a green arrow is visible on the matrix sign above the lane. If there is a red cross above the lane, the lane is closed.