# When 2 lanes merge, who has right of way? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 20, 2001, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962 "2001-05-20T03:13:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![mojo\_filter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@mojo\_filter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mojo_filter)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2001, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962/21 "2001-05-20T16:22:19Z")
> [@](#): > > . I used to drive a truck OTR. A guy died right in front of me because he in the left lane, & car #2 in the right lane were both racing along side of me (in a semi in the center lane) to get in front me. I saw it coming & started to slow down… **Carina42** **I saw it coming & started to slow down…** That right there is the key; looking ahead (or, in this case, using your mirrors ;)) and anticipating what will come next. I also used to drive OTR and I took great pride in being overly cautious. If I was caught in a high traffic, high stress situation I would imagine that my own wife and children were in the cars around me and drove accordingly. This brings up an excellent point. It has been my experience that professional truck drivers are much better drivers than people like to think they are.[grammar?] ---
**Author:** ![khalidee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bcef8e/32.png) [@khalidee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/khalidee)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2001, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962/22 "2001-05-20T16:32:56Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by lawoot \* > \*\*Oh, so I’m a jerk because I do something that is PERFECTLY LEGAL??? > > Ahhh… but the point is that I am doing nothing wrong… and the cops have backed that up in print … If you aren’t supposed to USE the pavement for 1/2 a mile, then why the hell have it there??? MY point is that if MORE people did what I do that friggin’ back-up wouldn’t be as bad! Don’t panic, stay calm, and ALTERNATE who gets in… it’s so simple, people. > > By the same token, in situations where I get stuck in the left lane (usually, if I’m there, I’m not about to switch into the right lane) I ALWAYS let others get in front of me…as many as need to… as it is obnoxious AND DANGEROUS to 'move over to try to block them off by “keeping my car over far enough where you can’t get by” \*\* ---
**Author:** ![khalidee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bcef8e/32.png) [@khalidee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/khalidee)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2001, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962/23 "2001-05-20T16:38:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by lawoot \* > \*\*Oh, so I’m a jerk because I do something that is PERFECTLY LEGAL??? > > Ahhh… but the point is that I am doing nothing wrong… and the cops have backed that up in print … If you aren’t supposed to USE the pavement for 1/2 a mile, then why the hell have it there??? MY point is that if MORE people did what I do that friggin’ back-up wouldn’t be as bad! Don’t panic, stay calm, and ALTERNATE who gets in… it’s so simple, people. > > By the same token, in situations where I get stuck in the left lane (usually, if I’m there, I’m not about to switch into the right lane) I ALWAYS let others get in front of me…as many as need to… as it is obnoxious AND DANGEROUS to 'move over to try to block them off by “keeping my car over far enough where you can’t get by” \*\* No you’re a jerk because your doing some thing totally inconsiderate.Your response of “fuck em” only reveals your superiorty complex .Those other faceless drivers are your neighbors on this planet.Being considerate and cooperative makes for a better neighborhood. ---
**Author:** ![lawoot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/35a633/32.png) [@lawoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lawoot)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2001, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962/24 "2001-05-20T16:55:04Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by khalidee_ > No you’re a jerk because your doing some thing totally inconsiderate.Your response of “fuck em” only reveals your superiorty complex .Those other faceless drivers are your neighbors on this planet.Being considerate and cooperative makes for a better neighborhood. \*\* You know… I used that stupid left hand lane for two years before a friend of mine pointed out that the other lane was moving faster. The first time I did it it cut TEN MINUTES off my drive. So, yeah, screw 'em (not “fuck 'em” - YOU said thatm not me) if they can’t figure out that you don’t have to fly over to the left lane immediately, then park for ten minutes. As long as I get over there before the half mile is up, then I’m doing NOTHING WRONG. The pavement’s there for a reason. USE IT. You know, I even yield (if it’s safe) to let vehicles ON the highway at on-ramps - which is something that I don’t have to do. I could be like MOST of the other people on the road and just sit in the lane and ignore the people trying to get on, but no, I let 'em in. You do that? I flash my headlights to let truckers know it’s safe to pull back in fronmt of me when they pass me. You do that? I do ONE thing when I drive where I decide to let me have the advantage, and I’M a jerk? Fuck you. ---
**Author:** ![khalidee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bcef8e/32.png) [@khalidee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/khalidee)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2001, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962/25 "2001-05-20T17:12:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by lawoot \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > _Originally posted by khalidee_ > > No you’re a jerk because your doing some thing totally inconsiderate.Your response of “fuck em” only reveals your superiorty complex .Those other faceless drivers are your neighbors on this planet.Being considerate and cooperative makes for a better neighborhood. \*\* > > You know… I used that stupid left hand lane for two years before a friend of mine pointed out that the other lane was moving faster. The first time I did it it cut TEN MINUTES off my drive. So, yeah, screw 'em (not “fuck 'em” - YOU said thatm not me) if they can’t figure out that you don’t have to fly over to the left lane immediately, then park for ten minutes. As long as I get over there before the half mile is up, then I’m doing NOTHING WRONG. The pavement’s there for a reason. USE IT. > > You know, I even yield (if it’s safe) to let vehicles ON the highway at on-ramps - which is something that I don’t have to do. I could be like MOST of the other people on the road and just sit in the lane and ignore the people trying to get on, but no, I let 'em in. You do that? I flash my headlights to let truckers know it’s safe to pull back in fronmt of me when they pass me. You do that? I do ONE thing when I drive where I decide to let me have the advantage, and I’M a jerk? Fuck you. \*\* Fine.You are also sometimes courteous driver.I actually fall into the some category being a some what agressive driver but not to the point of de personalizing everyone else on the road.In the case of the two lane merging, one hazard you fail to over look and I have seen many onstances of another impatient driver pulling out of the line and into the path of the speeding passer .I’m sure there are afew collisions in this situation as I’ve witnessed many near misses.Truce? ---
**Author:** ![khalidee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bcef8e/32.png) [@khalidee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/khalidee)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2001, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962/26 "2001-05-20T17:17:15Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by lawoot \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > _Originally posted by khalidee_ > > No you’re a jerk because your doing some thing totally inconsiderate.Your response of “fuck em” only reveals your superiorty complex .Those other faceless drivers are your neighbors on this planet.Being considerate and cooperative makes for a better neighborhood. \*\* > > You know… I used that stupid left hand lane for two years before a friend of mine pointed out that the other lane was moving faster. The first time I did it it cut TEN MINUTES off my drive. So, yeah, screw 'em (not “fuck 'em” - YOU said thatm not me) if they can’t figure out that you don’t have to fly over to the left lane immediately, then park for ten minutes. As long as I get over there before the half mile is up, then I’m doing NOTHING WRONG. The pavement’s there for a reason. USE IT. > > You know, I even yield (if it’s safe) to let vehicles ON the highway at on-ramps - which is something that I don’t have to do. I could be like MOST of the other people on the road and just sit in the lane and ignore the people trying to get on, but no, I let 'em in. You do that? I flash my headlights to let truckers know it’s safe to pull back in fronmt of me when they pass me. You do that? I do ONE thing when I drive where I decide to let me have the advantage, and I’M a jerk? Fuck you. \*\* Yes I do yield to merging traffic and have flashed my l;ights to truckers since I was 16. my father taught me that aloing with many courtesies that keep you on top of the situation and making a contribution to a safe flow on the road.thanks for the lively exchange. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2001, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962/27 "2001-05-20T17:28:14Z")
**khalidee** I bet when you go shopping you go to the line that’s the longest too. Way to go - thank you. Me I’ll chose the shorter line as long as it’s open.😉 Sometimes at ski areas, lines for lifts get backed up. Some of these lifts have entries at both sides (left and right) with a merge. I have numerous times went around the long way(to the other side of the lift) to avoid a long line on the close easy-to-get-to side. Also I wish to mention that the way I pointed out is fairer then your’s given human nature. You are bringing the merge point to the point where traffic is backing up - Who are you to set the merge point - it was set by the hwy dept of construction crew. and may I point out that taking up to lanes is illeagle and ticketable. You are clearly in the wrong and are a hazard to people in the lane w/o traffic. ---
**Author:** ![brachyrhynchos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brachyrhynchos/32/376_2.png) [@brachyrhynchos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brachyrhynchos)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2001, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962/28 "2001-05-20T17:42:06Z")
**CHILDREN, CHILDREN, DON’T MAKE ME STOP THIS CAR!!!** **mojo filter** got me thinking that perhaps I was mistaken in what I saw on the Turnpike. So, being a lazy Sunday morn, I decided to hop in the Maxima, throw a disk into the Mavica and take a drive south. The [PHOTOS](http://www-rci.rutgers.edu/~lreed/turnpikemerge.htm) show that: 1. there are no indications of right-of-way, and 2. clearly, I need a hobby. As I mentioned before, the times that I’ve been through here, I’ve not seen a merge problem. Pretty remarkable for a state full of fussbudgets and NASCAR wannabees. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![khalidee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bcef8e/32.png) [@khalidee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/khalidee)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2001, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962/29 "2001-05-20T17:51:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by k2dave \* > \*\ ***khalidee** I bet when you go shopping you go to the line that’s the longest too. Way to go - thank you. Me I’ll chose the shorter line as long as it’s open.😉 > > Sometimes at ski areas, lines for lifts get backed up. Some of these lifts have entries at both sides (left and right) with a merge. I have numerous times went around the long way(to the other side of the lift) to avoid a long line on the close easy-to-get-to side. > > Also I wish to mention that the way I pointed out is fairer then your’s given human nature. You are bringing the merge point to the point where traffic is backing up - Who are you to set the merge point - it was set by the hwy dept of construction crew. and may I point out that taking up to lanes is illeagle and ticketable. You are clearly in the wrong and are a hazard to people in the lane w/o traffic. \*\* The merge point may have started way forward and thefollowing drivers merged leaving space ahead inthe reducing lane allowing the inconsiderate few to assert their right to jump way forward past those who merged safely and voluntarily early.Anyway there are so many variables in this situation presenting safe outlets sometimes and reckless situations othertimes.I frequent ski areas some 100 days per season and ski lift lines present many opportunities to observe rage in top form.I assure you I’m well versed in lift line strategy.The best strategy of course is to get there early,milk the first tracks and be heading home for lunch when everyone else is backed up in the parking lot. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2001, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962/30 "2001-05-20T17:58:37Z")
[Moderator watch ON] OK, kids, I don’t know who started this pissing contest, and I don’t care. It ends right **here**. I suggest that both **lawoot** and **khalidee** , and anyone else thinking of getting involved, forget that this argument ever took place. If you’re not capable of doing that, then take it to e-mail. If I see one more post in this thread continuing that fight, then Lynn will be hearing the name of whoever made that post. Got that? ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2001, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962/31 "2001-05-20T18:15:29Z")
> [@](#): > > The best strategy of course is to get there early,milk the first tracks and be heading home for lunch when everyone else is backed up in the parking lot unless you are stuck in traffic 😉 ---
**Author:** ![lawoot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/35a633/32.png) [@lawoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lawoot)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2001, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962/32 "2001-05-20T18:16:47Z")
Chronos - Got it. I would have accepted the offered truce earlier, but I was out doing some yard work. I apologize to all involved, but mostly to **khalidee** , whom I unfairly released some unrelated work anger upon. (That’s why I went to do the yard work. Needed to blow off some steam in a positive way) Again, sorry. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2001, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962/33 "2001-05-20T18:17:21Z")
opps, that was b4 I knew Chronos stepped in. Sorry 'bout that. I hit reply b4 I saw your post. ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2001, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962/34 "2001-05-20T19:19:22Z")
I have nothing relevant to add, but this thread reminded me of a very funny [Dave Barry column](http://www.humorcentral.com/humor/hcjoke065.html). 😃 * * * Jeg elsker dig, Thomas ---
**Author:** ![\_Uigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/_/e9a140/32.png) [@\_Uigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/_Uigi)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2001, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962/35 "2001-05-20T20:26:46Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by DaveRaver \* > \*\*That’s great if there is such a sign saying “merge left” or “merge right” but in my neighborhood there are no such signs, hence the confusion. What if there is no sign? \*\* In the absence of ANY sign which indicates which lane is to merge into the other, I’d think the car on the right has ROW (this goes back to pre-automobile rules of the road for naval vessels on which many automobile rules are based). There may also be an angle that concerns the ROW for an auto in the lane that ORIGINALLY existed; you know, before the turn lane or merge lane was added, or road was widened to provide the extra lane. I’d think the auto in the original lane might be viewed as having ROW in that case. ---
**Author:** ![mojo\_filter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@mojo\_filter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mojo_filter)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2001, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962/36 "2001-05-20T20:41:56Z")
**brachyrhynchos** , it would appear that you are correct, there is no indication of who would have the right of way. In this case I guess the right of way goes to the biggest vehicle.:eek: ---
**Author:** ![brachyrhynchos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brachyrhynchos/32/376_2.png) [@brachyrhynchos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brachyrhynchos)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2001, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962/37 "2001-05-20T22:18:28Z")
Ha, **mojo** , which is why I drive in the right lane. 😉 Given the amount of traffic (I-95, along the Boston-DC corridor), I guess there would be signs posted if it were a problem. ---
**Author:** ![dqa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dqa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dqa)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2001, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962/38 "2001-05-20T23:18:17Z")
Ha! Found the answer to my question at last. Sadly, i was unable to find the answer to the OP at this **[site](http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/tr/tr054500.html#tr013.545.061)**. Interestingly, Texas statutes do not make use of the word “merge” in the context of lanes. > [@](#): > > **§ 545.061. Driving on Multiple-Lane Roadway** > On a roadway divided into three or more lanes and providing for one-way movement of traffic, an operator entering a lane of traffic from a lane to the right shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle entering the same lane of traffic from a lane to the left. ---
**Author:** ![Carina42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/439d5e/32.png) [@Carina42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carina42)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2001, 11:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962/39 "2001-05-21T11:00:24Z")
[QUOTE] \*Originally posted by mojo filter \* \*\* > [@](#): > > . This brings up an excellent point. It has been my experience that professional truck drivers are much better drivers than people like to think they are.[grammar?] \*\* [hijack] Professional drivers **have** to be better drivers. Truckers drive a long tall vehicle that bends in the middle, in all kinds of road conditions, unfamiliar cities & routes, with a constantly changing load. Often driving in a month what the average driver covers in a year on familiar routes. And truckers are subject to the same point system against a license as anybody else…do the math. I think people often think truckers are “bad” drivers because they are intimidated by the big scary trucks. [/hijack] **dqa** That makes sense, of course. Yielding to the often faster-moving traffic on the left, much as one enters a freeway, is common sense. ---
**Author:** ![GrapeApe43](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a9adbd/32.png) [@GrapeApe43](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrapeApe43)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2016, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962/40 "2016-05-29T23:39:19Z")
This is easy. The merging lane has to yield to the through lane. In a civilized world, with slower traffic, left right left right is the polite thing to do, but if you come flying up on me and get your nose ahead of mine, and come into my lane; I will hit you, you will be at fault, ticketed, and pay for my damage that you coursed. Except for no fault states. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-2-lanes-merge-who-has-right-of-way/65962.md?page=3)