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MergingPoland

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

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Poland

62. 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
Road signs recommending zipper method. (Warsaw, Poland)
Wikimedia.org • Adrian Grycuk • CC BY-SA
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.

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