Interlacing and intertwining

Merging occurs when two lanes become one, or when you drive onto a road from an acceleration lane. Proper technique keeps traffic flowing and reduces the risk of accidents.

The Zipper Principle

When two lanes narrow into one, the zipper principle applies: cars from both lanes alternate, like a zipper. This is the most effective method and follows Norwegian traffic rules.

Merging when entering a motorway

When driving onto a motorway, the acceleration lane has an important function:

1. Use the entire acceleration lane to build up speed
2. Check mirrors and blind spots to find a suitable gap
3. Signal left
4. Adjust your speed to the traffic in the through lane
5. Merge smoothly and decisively without braking abruptly

You have yielding duty to traffic already in the through lane. Stop in the acceleration lane only as a last resort.

Yielding when merging

• The one who loses their lane must yield to the traffic in the continuing lane
• If both lanes end and new lanes appear, the zipper principle applies
• Show consideration and let others in, even if you have the right of way

Correct distance when merging

Keep a three-second distance to the car in front after you have merged. In queues, the distance can be shorter, but you always need enough time to react to sudden braking .

Common mistakes

• Stopping in the acceleration lane instead of adjusting speed
• Too low speed when entering the motorway creates dangerous speed differences
• Not letting others in breaks the zipper principle and creates queues
• Changing lanes too late at ending lanes forces abrupt maneuvers

Plan the merge early and use mirrors and blind spot checks, just as you do when changing lanes .

Further reading

• Distance and positioning
• Lane change and lane switching
• Use of indicators
• Emergency braking and evasive maneuver