Lane keeping assist (LKA)

What is lane assist?

Lane assist (in Dutch: rijstrookassistent) uses a camera behind the windscreen to watch the lines on the road. If you cross a line without indicating, the system steps in. It does this with a warning or with a gentle steering correction.

Lane assist is a help. The car does not drive itself. Keep your hands on the wheel and look far ahead.

Difference between lane departure warning and lane keeping assist

Lane change assist is really a form of blind spot detection. Car brands use their own names. Check your owner’s manual to see which function your car has.

Why does lane assist not always work?

Lane assist needs clearly visible lines. It often works less well, or not at all, with:

• faded or missing lines, such as on narrow roads without a centre line;
• snow, water on the road or a low sun;
• a dirty or misted windscreen in front of the camera;
• low speed, because many systems only work above a certain speed;
• roadworks with old white and new yellow lines.

At roadworks the yellow lines apply. The camera may still follow the old white line. Then steer yourself and follow the yellow route.

You can usually see whether lane assist is active from a symbol or colour on the dashboard. Your owner’s manual explains them.

Is lane assist dangerous?

Lane assist itself is not dangerous. Relying on it too much is. The risk is that you pay less attention because the car helps to steer. Or that an unexpected correction startles you. Do you feel a vibration or a correction? First look at the road and your position. Then steer calmly. Jerking the wheel can cause danger.

How to turn off lane assist: is it allowed?

Yes. It is usually done with a button or in the menu. In new cars the emergency function is back on every time you start the car. Switch the system off before your trip or in a safe place, not while steering. Does the car steer the wrong way, for example at roadworks? Hold the wheel firmly and steer yourself.

Is lane assist mandatory?

For new cars, yes. Since 7 July 2024 every new car and van in the EU must have an emergency lane keeping system. It steers back when you leave your lane by accident. Older cars do not have to be fitted with it. The rules are in the EU General Safety Regulation.

Lane assist at the driving school and in the CBR test

Many driving school cars have lane assist. You may use most driver assistance systems during the practical test. The examiner does check that you drive safely yourself. Systems that let you take your hands off the wheel (hands-off) may not be used in the test. Changing lanes? Always check your mirrors and look over your shoulder yourself. See the CBR Rijprocedure B (Dutch).