Which has priority, left lane change or right lane change?
3 Answers
At intersections, left turns have the right of way. Below is relevant information about intersections: 1. Introduction to intersections: An intersection refers to a level crossing where two or more roads meet on the same plane. On December 1, 2017, the "Specification for English Translation in Public Service Areas" was officially implemented, stipulating that the standard English term for an intersection is Crossroads or Intersection. 2. Roads: Here, roads refer to all roads as defined in the supplementary provisions of the "Road Traffic Safety Law," including urban roads, alleys, lanes, and highways. However, the intersection of alleys or lanes with sidewalks on both sides of urban streets is not considered an intersection; the level crossing of highways with rural paths not classified as highways is also not considered an intersection; nor are level crossings of railways and roads considered regulated intersections here. For motor vehicle passage at railway crossings, the "Road Traffic Safety Law" and the "Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law" have specific provisions.
After driving for so many years, I've witnessed all kinds of lane-changing disputes. Which has priority, changing to the left or right lane? Honestly, there's no specific priority—whether changing left or right, you must safely yield to vehicles in the target lane. I always emphasize: signal first, check mirrors and blind spots, confirm a safe distance, then merge gradually. For example, when changing to the right lane, you might be disrupted by cyclists; changing left on the highway, you might overlook fast-approaching vehicles from behind—these are all lessons from real accidents. Develop the habit: always observe road conditions, especially in congestion, don't cut in; safety first outweighs saving a few seconds. Regularly review driving rules to help prevent minor frictions or major collisions; remember, changing lanes isn't a right, but a responsibility to protect yourself and others.
When I first got my driver's license, I naively asked my instructor if left lane changes had priority over right ones. The instructor shook his head and said there's no such distinction—you must yield to vehicles in the original lane for safety, regardless of direction. During practice, I frequently drilled this routine: signal, check blind spots, and merge gradually. Left lane changes felt trickier due to the larger blind spot in the left mirror. After real-world driving, I realized the rule is consistent: whether merging left into faster traffic or right to park, patiently waiting for space is key. Traffic laws are designed fairly, favoring neither side; maintaining distance and frequent checks reduce risks. Daily driving experience gradually makes this process more intuitive.
