FAQ

Neutralization zone usually is used for refueling during a Selective Section. The RoadbookRally.com platform and app will detect neutralization zones and their allotted times from your roadbook automatically.

• DN - Beginning of the neutralization zone (the countdown starts at the DN waypoint, in the example below: 15 minutes)
• FN - End of the neutralization zone (you can exit the FN waypoint without a penalty when the countdown reaches zero)

Where do I wait before exiting the DN zone?

You can exit the FN waypoint once the time has expired. If there is space to park, you can wait right at the FN center point. You can also wait somewhere else before the FN. Just time your ride so you exit the FN exactly when the time expires - and not before.

How do I know my exit time?

The RBR Roadbook Reader App will show the countdown after “validating” the DN waypoint, but you as a rider have a responsibility to check your entry time at the DN to make sure you know your exit time at the FN (in this example it's 15 minutes).

Why did the RBR app not show the countdown when I entered the DN zone?

The RBR app didn't start the countdown when you entered the DN zone because it only starts the countdown after validating the DN waypoint. If the "active waypoint" in the app is set to a different point — such as if you missed previous waypoints and did not mark them as skipped — the countdown will not begin upon entering the DN zone.

What happens if I exit the DN zone too early?

Early exit from the DN zone (by exiting the FN waypoint too early) will be penalized. The countdown timer in the App is just a recommendation. The rider is responsible for the actual FN exit time.

Does the rider get a penalty just for validating the waypoint or waiting inside the zone?

No. Entering the validation circle and validating the FN waypoint does not cause a penalty on its own. The rider can wait inside the validation radius for as long as needed. The penalty only happens if the rider leaves the zone too early (exits the FN waypoint validation circle before the time has expired).

Does the countdown stop if the rider takes an early exit penalty?

No. The countdown always keeps running on the roadbook, even if the rider has already taken a penalty for an early exit.

What FN validation radius should I use? (GPS drift)

Because GPS drifts even when the rider is standing still, the FN exit / validation radius should not be set too small, or normal GPS jitter can trigger a false exit and an unfair penalty.

Typical GPS drift while stationary:

• Good open sky: 3–10 m
• Normal real-world conditions: 10–25 m
• Trees, valleys, buildings, poor antenna position: 25–50 m
• Bad cases / temporary GPS glitches: 50–100+ m

Practical recommendation for the FN exit / validation radius:

• Minimum: 50 m
• Safer default: 60–75 m
• Difficult GPS areas: 100 m