Which Lane Has Priority When Two Lanes Merge Into One?
3 Answers
Right lane has priority, vehicles in the left lane should yield to those in the right lane. Additional information: 1. Article 78: Expressways shall indicate the speed limits for each lane, with the maximum speed not exceeding 120 km/h and the minimum speed not lower than 60 km/h. On expressways, the maximum speed for small passenger vehicles shall not exceed 120 km/h, other motor vehicles shall not exceed 100 km/h, and motorcycles shall not exceed 80 km/h. 2. For roads with two lanes in the same direction: the minimum speed for the left lane is 100 km/h; for roads with three or more lanes in the same direction, the minimum speed for the leftmost lane is 110 km/h, and the minimum speed for the middle lane is 90 km/h. If the speed limit indicated by road signs differs from the above lane speed regulations, drivers should follow the speed limit indicated by the road signs.
When two lanes merge into one, the zipper rule is typically applied—vehicles from both lanes alternate into the single lane like the teeth of a zipper. At the merge point, the driver in the left lane yields to one vehicle from the right lane, then the left lane proceeds with one vehicle, repeating this alternating pattern. This is a method I’ve found most fair over more than a decade of driving, as it prevents disputes or scrapes caused by cutting in. On congested highways, it helps maintain smoother traffic flow and reduces overall delays. It’s advisable to slow down in advance, use turn signals to indicate your intention, observe surrounding vehicles’ movements, and avoid rushing to squeeze in. If no one follows the rules, accidents or road rage can easily occur. That’s why I’ve made it a habit in daily driving to stay patient and wait for my turn. Remember, cooperation is key, safety comes first, and extra caution is needed especially in rain or snow.
The right-of-way for lane merging follows the zipper principle: vehicles from two lanes alternately enter the single lane at the merge point. One vehicle from the right lane goes first, followed by one from the left, and so on. From a safety perspective, this mechanism minimizes the risk of sudden lane-cutting, preventing rear-end collisions and side swipes. Failure to adhere to this often results in traffic congestion or accidents caused by aggressive driving. In high-traffic areas, I recommend leaving space in advance, avoiding parallel acceleration, and maintaining vigilance, especially during low-visibility conditions at night or in curved sections. Cooperative driving saves time and effort for everyone. In fact, it originates from traffic optimization design and helps improve overall traffic efficiency.
