Should the left lane yield to the right lane when two lanes merge into one?
2 Answers
When two lanes merge into one, vehicles in the left lane should yield to vehicles in the right lane. Specific scenario: At an intersection without traffic signals, two vehicles traveling in opposite directions—one turning right and the other turning left—approach the same intersection. The right-turning vehicle must yield to the left-turning vehicle. If the right-turning vehicle fails to yield and instead competes for the right of way, causing an accident, the right-turning vehicle infringes on the left-turning vehicle's right of way and will bear full responsibility in determining liability. Additionally, at signalized intersections when the light is red, right-turning vehicles must also yield to other vehicles that have been given the right of way, including left-turning vehicles that have already been allowed to proceed. Main reason: Left-turning vehicles have a longer travel path. If the right-turning vehicle does not yield, the left-turning vehicle will have to stop in the middle of the intersection for an extended period, disrupting normal traffic flow. Therefore, for the greater good, right-turning vehicles should yield to left-turning vehicles. Legal basis: According to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law," when motor vehicles pass through intersections without traffic signals or traffic police directing traffic, in addition to complying with the provisions of Article 51, Paragraphs (2) and (3), they must also adhere to the following: Right-turning motor vehicles traveling in opposite directions must yield to left-turning vehicles. Article 51, Paragraph (2) of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law" states: Vehicles preparing to enter a roundabout must yield to vehicles already inside the roundabout. Article 51, Paragraph (3) states: When turning left, vehicles must turn from the left side of the intersection center point, use turn signals, and drive with low beams at night. Article 38 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law" stipulates: When the traffic light is red, right-turning vehicles may proceed provided they do not obstruct the passage of vehicles or pedestrians that have been given the right of way.
As an experienced driver who frequently hits the road, I've witnessed countless lane merging scenarios on national highways, where the left lane typically yields to the right. Once, while merging from an auxiliary road onto the main road where two lanes converged into one, I was in the left lane with a slow-moving car ahead. I proactively slowed down to let the right-lane vehicle merge in, adhering to the traffic rule of 'yielding to the right'—where right-side vehicles have priority. Forcing your way through could easily lead to rear-end collisions or side-swipe accidents. Especially on highways or busy sections, this practice ensures smoother traffic flow and reduces intersection congestion. I advise novice drivers to cultivate this habit through practice: frequently check rearview mirrors and signal early with turn indicators. Remember, safety comes first—don't risk a traffic violation just to gain a car length. This rule applies nationwide with few exceptions, unless special signage like yield signs is present, but it's universally applicable for standard two-to-one lane merges. Stay vigilant.
