Acceleration lane

There are two types of acceleration lanes. One is intended only for drivers who want to enter the main carriageway. The other is a combined merge lane/exit lane. This is designed for drivers who wish to enter the main carriageway and for drivers who want to join the combined merge lane/exit lane.

For both types, you must first look carefully, after which you are required to signal.

Drivers to the right of a block marking may overtake drivers to the left of this marking on the right. Please note: There are also acceleration lanes with two lanes. In these cases, you are not allowed to overtake the driver on the right who is also driving in the merge lane.

At the end of an acceleration lane, there is often an emergency lane. You must merge before the emergency lane begins. Using the emergency lane as an extended acceleration lane or deceleration lane is prohibited. The emergency lane may only be used in an emergency (breakdown).

Merging is a special maneuver. This means you must yield to drivers in the main carriageway. Yet, we consider it perfectly normal for cars to slow down or move over a lane to make room for the merging driver. This is a favour, not an obligation!

If the acceleration lane is also a deceleration lane (a “weaving lane”), merging and exiting cars must yield to drivers remaining in the same lane. So, if someone stays in the weaving lane and doesn’t change lanes, the driver who does change lanes, and thus performs a special maneuver, must yield to the driver in the weaving lane. If both change lanes, the law doesn’t provide a definitive ruling on which driver must yield to the other.

Speed past the traffic jam with your foot on the gas and, at the end of the merge lane, decisively turn the steering wheel to the left. We bet no one will let you in! However, for the sake of traffic flow, it’s best to use the entire acceleration lane, even in a traffic jam. The most sympathetic approach? Approach at an adjusted speed, try to gauge where you can squeeze in, and drive there with a minimal(!) speed difference. Oh, and smile at the driver who gives you space. You know you want to merge, but other traffic can’t read minds.

Using your turn signal is also mandatory. But before you do, first determine where you want to merge. Check your rearview mirror, left outside mirror, and blind spot – don’t look back! Be aware of hasty drivers who have already started merging behind you (blind spot). If the road is clear, signal and merge smoothly into the main lane.

When merging, you may overtake to the right of the block markings, for example, if you want to merge in front of a lorry travelling slower than the speed limit. Leave enough space for the lorry so it doesn’t have to brake. By allowing a generous margin, you also prevent traffic in the lane next to the truck (which will return to the right lane after overtaking) from overlooking you.

Article 1 of the Road Traffic Regulations (RVV).
Acceleration lane: a section of road separated from the main carriageway by a block marking, intended for drivers entering the main carriageway.