What is the priority order when vehicles from two adjacent lanes merge into the same lane?
2 Answers
When vehicles from the left and right lanes merge into the same lane, the vehicle from the left lane must yield to the vehicle from the right lane. Lane changes must not affect the normal passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Article 35 of the Road Traffic Safety Law stipulates that lane changes must not affect the normal passage of other vehicles or pedestrians and must comply with the following regulations: continuous lane changes across more than two lanes are prohibited; when vehicles from the left and right lanes merge into the same lane, the vehicle from the left lane must yield to the vehicle from the right lane; on road sections with alternating solid and dashed lane dividers, vehicles on the solid line side are strictly prohibited from changing lanes; lane changes should not be too slow, as driving long distances straddling the line can disrupt other vehicles—generally, lane changes should be completed within 50-60 meters; each lane change carries inherent risks, so frequent lane changes are prohibited. Drivers changing lanes across two lanes at once may experience blind spots, especially when merging into the second lane, which can easily lead to accidents. Additionally, random lane changes may result in fines.
After driving on the road for so many years, I've noticed that when two lanes merge into one, the vehicle on the right usually has the right of way. This is learned from practical experience; because the driver sits on the left side, the blind spot on the right is larger, making it easier to overlook vehicles on the right. So if both the car on the left and I want to change lanes at the same time, I consciously let the other go first. For example, when encountering a merge on the highway, I signal with my turn indicator, check the rearview mirror and blind spot, and only merge when it's safe. The car on the left should also be mindful of this, patiently waiting to avoid forcing their way in. This habit has helped me avoid many conflicts and accidents, making traffic smoother. Overall, the rules are there for everyone's convenience and safety, not to cause trouble.
