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MergingNetherlands

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Netherlands

43. Merging

Merging is the process of joining a stream of traffic from another lane or road, such as when an entry lane joins a motorway or when two traffic lanes become one. The merging driver must observe surrounding traffic, signal when required and enter an appropriate gap safely.

Drivers already in the continuing traffic lane should remain alert to merging vehicles and avoid unnecessarily preventing them from joining. Special zipper-merging rules may apply when traffic is heavily congested and a lane ends.

Merging
The left lane ends and merges with the other lane. (Rijksweg 2, Gelderland, Netherlands)
Wikimedia.org • Maurits90 • CC0
What does merging mean in traffic?

Merging means joining another stream or lane of traffic, usually where an entry lane, acceleration lane or another traffic lane connects with the continuing roadway.

Who has priority when merging?

This depends on the road layout and national traffic rules. In many situations, the driver changing lanes must give way to vehicles already travelling in the lane being entered, unless signs or specific merging rules provide otherwise.

What is zipper merging?

Zipper merging is a system used where a lane ends during congested traffic. Drivers use both lanes up to the merging point and then enter the continuing lane alternately, one vehicle from each traffic stream.

1 Netherlands 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Cycling street 10 Pedestrian zone 11 Slope 12 Bus stop 13 Dead end 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Priority road 18 Railway crossing 19 School area 20 Overtaking 21 Crossing animals 22 Roadworks 23 Weight limit 24 Radar speed sign 25 Selective barriers 26 Low-emission zone 27 Priority at the next junction 28 Traffic lights 29 Traffic lights warning 30 Road markings 31 Speed feedback 32 Traffic mirror 33 Emergency telephone 34 Cycling route 35 Parking 36 No parking 37 No stopping 38 Park and ride 39 Kiss and ride 40 Parking disc 41 Disabled parking 42 Traffic management 43 Merging 44 Reversing 45 Uncontrolled crossroad 46 Advisory cycle lane 47 Rush-hour lane 48 Emergency exit 49 Oversize load 50 City limit 51 Parking zone 52 Axle weight limit 53 Licence plate 54 Charging station 55 Dangers 56 Equestrian trail 57 Cyclist 58 Truck 59 Bus 60 Police 61 Ambulance 62 Bicycle parking station 63 Tram lights 64 European emission standard 65 Pothole 66 Path 67 Particulates 68 Air pollution 69 Rush hour 70 Road code 71 Street gutter 72 Cargo bike 73 Forestry vehicle 74 Construction vehicle 75 Semi-trailer truck 76 Trolleybus 77 Speed pedelec 78 Delivery vehicle 79 Idling 80 Tow truck 81 Four-wheel drive 82 No vehicles 83 Bicycle 84 Motorcycle equipment 85 Rail track 86 Caravan 87 Trailer 88 Tow hitch 89 Fire truck 90 Siren 91 Convoy 92 Emergency vehicle lighting 93 Agricultural machinery 94 Electric bicycle 95 Electric vehicle 96 Pedelec 97 Quadricycle 98 Microcar 99 All-terrain vehicle 100 Van ...