Who gives way when merging right?

In most places, the driver who is moving right into another lane must give way to traffic already in that lane; the main exception is a true lane-reduction “zipper” merge, where drivers in the continuing lane are expected to let one vehicle in at the merge point. Entry from a right-side on-ramp typically requires yielding to mainline traffic unless signs say otherwise. Below is how that plays out in common real-world scenarios and how rules differ by country.

What “merging right” usually means

“Merging right” can describe several different situations, and the right-of-way changes with the context. Understanding which scenario you’re in helps you apply the correct rule safely and legally.

Common scenarios and who yields

The following list outlines the most frequent right-merge situations and indicates which driver typically gives way in each case.

• Changing lanes to the right on a multilane road: The driver changing lanes must yield to vehicles already in the right lane. Make the move only when a safe gap exists.
• Lane reduction (true “zipper” merge) where two lanes become one: Drivers should merge at the point of reduction and alternate—one from each lane. In many jurisdictions, vehicles in the continuing lane must allow one merging vehicle in, provided it’s safe to do so.
• Entering a highway from a right-side on-ramp: The entering driver must generally yield to traffic on the main carriageway and adjust speed to fit a safe gap, unless signage or traffic control devices give different instructions.
• Signed merge or yield: Specific road signs and lane markings override default rules. A “Yield” sign requires the approaching driver to give way; a posted “Merge” with advisory speed may imply zipper behavior at the taper.
• Bus, cycle, or high-occupancy lanes: Special lanes can have priority or restrictions. Always follow posted lane rules; crossing into these lanes is treated as a lane change, requiring you to yield and comply with any restrictions.

In short, if you’re moving into another lane, you usually yield; if the lane itself is ending and forming one lane, expect zipper behavior where traffic alternates at the merge point, subject to local law and safety.

How the rule varies by region

While the broad principles are consistent internationally, wording and emphasis differ. Here’s how major jurisdictions frame right-of-way when merging right.

United States and Canada

In North America, the driver changing lanes or entering from a ramp is generally responsible for yielding to through traffic. Many states and provinces encourage “zipper merges” at lane drops during congestion—drivers in the continuing lane should alternate and let one vehicle in near the merge point. However, the entering or changing driver still must avoid forcing a collision, and signs/control devices govern.

United Kingdom and Ireland

The Highway Code advises giving priority to traffic already on the main carriageway when joining, and recommends “merge in turn” (zipper) at low speeds where lanes reduce and it’s safe. Changing lanes into the right (overtaking) lane is a standard lane change: give way to traffic already there.

Australia and New Zealand

Two distinct rules apply. If you are changing lanes (lane lines present), you must give way to vehicles in the lane you’re entering. If two lines of traffic merge where lane lines end (no marked lanes), the vehicle that is ahead has priority and drivers should merge in turn—effectively a zipper. On-ramps: drivers joining must give way to motorway traffic unless directed otherwise.

European Union (examples)

Germany codifies the “Reißverschlussverfahren” (zipper) for lane reductions: at the merge point, drivers in the continuing lane must let one vehicle in from the ending lane, conditions permitting. For on-ramps, mainline traffic has priority. France and the Netherlands also promote merge-in-turn behavior at lane drops, while vehicles entering from slip roads yield to the mainline unless signage indicates priority.

Key safety and legal considerations

The points below summarize practical steps and responsibilities that reduce risk and align with most traffic codes.

• Plan early, signal clearly: Use your indicator well in advance; signaling does not confer right-of-way, it communicates intent.
• Match speed appropriately: For on-ramps, use the acceleration lane to reach the traffic flow speed before merging; for zipper merges, keep a steady, cooperative pace.
• Don’t block the ending lane: In zipper zones, stay in your lane to the merge point and take turns; early blocking increases congestion and crash risk.
• Yield to avoid collisions: Even if you technically have priority, all drivers share a duty of care to avoid crashes.
• Follow signs and markings: Local signage overrides general rules—obey yield, merge, lane-use, and priority signs.

Following these practices helps keep merges predictable and lawful, minimizing sudden braking and last-second swerves that lead to crashes.

Fault and enforcement

In many jurisdictions, the driver who changes lanes or enters from a ramp is presumed at fault if a collision occurs during the maneuver, unless evidence shows the other driver violated a specific duty (for example, failing to alternate in a mandated zipper merge or ignoring control devices). Dashcams, road markings, and signage are often decisive in determining fault.

Exceptions and overrides

Be aware that roadworks, police instructions, variable message signs, and priority markings can change the default merging rules. Emergency vehicles and public transport may have special allowances; always yield to emergency services and comply with temporary traffic management.

Bottom line

If you’re moving right into another lane, you generally give way to traffic already there. If a lane is ending and both streams must become one, many places require or encourage zipper merging—drivers in the continuing lane should let one vehicle in at the merge point. When joining from a right-side ramp, expect to yield to mainline traffic unless signs dictate otherwise.

Summary

Merging right typically means the merging or lane-changing driver yields to vehicles already in the target lane. In true lane-reduction zones, use zipper merging—alternate at the merge point, with through-lane drivers allowing one vehicle in when safe. Entry from right-side ramps generally requires yielding to mainline traffic. Always follow posted signs and markings, signal early, match speed, and cooperate to prevent collisions.

Who yields on an onramp?

Highway On/Off Ramps
Sometimes traffic leaving an interstate merges into its own separate lane. Drivers on the access ramp should still yield in this case. However, vehicles that are getting onto a highway must yield to all traffic coming up behind them.

Which lane has right of way when merging?

The general rule is that the vehicle already in the lane has the right of way, while the merging vehicle must yield. However, this rule can vary depending on the specific situation and the applicable traffic laws in your area.

Who has to indicate when merging?

It’s not legally required for you to indicate, but it is best practice because other drivers might not have noticed that the lane is merging (i.e. the road is narrowing) and therefore may not be expecting you to move left or right. In an urban area, it’s common for two lanes to merge into one.

Who is at fault when lanes merge?

In most cases, the merging driver is presumed to be at fault, especially when they fail to yield the right-of-way to vehicles already in the lane. California traffic law places the burden on the merging driver to enter traffic safely and predictably.