What is true about using the hard shoulder in this situation?

In this situation, the hard shoulder is marked and intended to be used like a regular lane on the right side of the road. This can happen during heavy traffic or special traffic management measures, where the hard shoulder is temporarily used as an additional lane to improve traffic flow.

According to German traffic rules, when indicated by signs or signals (like the overhead signs showing speed limits and lane usage), the hard shoulder is no longer just a space for emergencies but functions like a right-hand lane. This means vehicles are allowed and expected to drive on it under these conditions.

It is not correct that the hard shoulder may only be used in a breakdown situation or only by trucks here, because the signage and situation clearly allow regular use as an active lane for all vehicles. This is why option 1 is the correct answer.

Understanding this rule helps because sometimes you will see these temporary lane changes on highways to manage congestion, and recognizing when the hard shoulder can be used as a lane is essential for safe and legal driving.