Is the slow lane on the highway on the left or right?
3 Answers
The rightmost lane on the highway is the slow lane. Here are some details about it: 1. Overtaking lane: The overtaking lane is located on the innermost (left) lane of the highway. It is only present when the road meets the standards of a six-lane bidirectional highway. The overtaking lane is designed for vehicles that need to pass others or those traveling at higher speeds. Some drivers occupy this lane for extended periods, forcing other vehicles to overtake from the slower lanes. This increases the speed differential between overtaking and slower vehicles, raising the risk of accidents. 2. Fast lane: In a two-lane same-direction highway, the left lane is the fast lane, and the right lane is the slow lane. For highways with three or more same-direction lanes, the leftmost lane is the fast lane, the middle lane is the travel lane, and the rightmost lane is the slow lane. The middle lane can sometimes serve as either a fast or slow lane. The rightmost lane may only be a travel lane without a designated slow lane, and in some cases, there may be no fast lane. Travel lanes and slow lanes can be designed independently, but fast lanes cannot be designed alone—meaning if there is a fast lane, there must also be a travel lane or slow lane in the same direction. 3. Slow lane (travel lane): The travel lane consists of individual lanes designated for single-file vehicle movement. Travel lanes include only driving and overtaking lanes, excluding special-purpose lanes like steep slope lanes or speed change lanes, which serve different functions. Therefore, in China, the width of the travel lane is calculated by multiplying the number of lanes by the width of each lane.
Regarding the position of the slow lane on highways, based on my 20 years of driving experience as a seasoned driver, it is generally on the right side. For example, on highways in China, the far-right lane is specifically reserved for large trucks or slow-moving vehicles, with the purpose of allowing faster vehicles to overtake easily on the left. I remember once during a long-distance drive, I saw a large truck sticking closely to the right side, which was both safe and didn’t obstruct others. The design of lane rules aims to reduce traffic accidents and improve road efficiency. It’s best for new drivers to familiarize themselves with these rules before hitting the highway. While driving, always check your mirrors frequently and maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front and behind. Avoid lingering in the left lane, as this can easily lead to rear-end collisions. Regularly checking your headlights and turn signals is also crucial to ensure clear lane changes during rain or at night.
As a new driver who just got my license, I remember the instructor at the driving school repeatedly taught that the slow lane on the highway is on the right. When I first tried driving on the highway, I was quite nervous, but following this rule made me feel particularly safe. The slow lane is suitable for maintaining a lower speed, such as 60-80km/h, so you won't be disturbed by faster cars nearby. Actually, lane positions are determined by national traffic regulations, and this arrangement applies in countries where driving is on the right. When driving on the highway, I use navigation apps to remind myself of lane purposes and pay attention to road signs, always signaling before changing lanes. Safety first—new drivers especially should develop good habits and avoid sudden braking or stopping in the right lane, as it can easily cause accidents.
