In what situation would you be legally allowed to use the shoulder of the road?

Using the shoulder of the road is primarily reserved for emergency situations, and one such situation is to avoid a collision. When you are faced with an imminent crash or a dangerous scenario, moving onto the shoulder can provide a safe alternative to prevent an accident. This action is typically considered lawful as long as it is done cautiously and does not cause any hazards to yourself or other drivers.

In general, using the shoulder for purposes such as overtaking, passing stopped vehicles, or temporary parking is typically prohibited unless explicitly allowed by signs or local laws. These actions could create hazardous situations or impede the flow of traffic, which is why the regulations tend to view them unfavorably. Therefore, the need to use the shoulder to avoid a collision aligns with road safety principles and the legal framework aimed at protecting all road users.