Merging
When entering a freeway, traffic already on it has the right-of-way. Use the whole ramp to match its speed, signal, check mirrors and your blind zone, and merge into a gap big enough for everyone. If there is no gap, adjust your speed rather than forcing in.
When a lane closes, zipper merge: use both lanes up to the merge point, then alternate one by one, let one in and go, keeping your speed. It moves far more traffic than lining up early, and it is not cutting in line.
Example: a sign says the right lane closes in 1 mile. Keep using the right lane up to the closure, then alternate with the left lane.
Related questions
- When you merge onto a freeway from an on-ramp, who has the right-of-way?
- The right lane ahead is closed for construction and traffic is slow. According to the zipper merge, you should:
- You missed your exit on the freeway. You should:
- You are merging onto the freeway and a large truck is coming up behind you. When may you merge in front of it?
- Which statement about the acceleration lane is correct?
- What does the sign in the picture mean?
- You are near the end of the acceleration lane, traffic is heavy, and the gap beside you is too small. What should you do?
- You are merging from a ramp, and a car on the freeway will not slow down to make room for you. Who has the right-of-way?
- You are on the acceleration lane about to merge onto the freeway. Which signal should you use?
- You have just merged from the ramp into the right lane of the freeway. What should your speed be now?
- You are driving on a multi-lane highway and the dashed white line beside your lane suddenly becomes short and closely spaced. What does this mean?
- You want to move into the left lane. You have checked your mirrors and signaled. What else should you do before moving over?
- You are entering the freeway from an on-ramp. Traffic is moving about 60 mph, and halfway down the ramp you are only doing 35. What should you do?
- The on-ramp is about to end, and the traffic beside you is bumper to bumper with no gap large enough. What should you do?
- The left lane ahead is closed for construction and traffic is slow. You are in the open right lane, and at the merge point a car on your left wants to move in ahead of you. What should you do?
- When a lane closes ahead, why is zipper merging recommended instead of lining up early in one lane?
- You pulled to the right for an ambulance and it has now fully passed. How should you reenter traffic?
- Which of these is most likely to cause a collision with a motorcycle?
- You are about to move into the next lane and your mirrors show no one there. What else do you need to do?
- On the freeway you want to merge in front of a large truck. When have you left enough room?