Lane use and changing lanes

By the end of this topic you can

• You can choose the correct lane for your speed and your next turn or exit.
• You can find your blind spots and check them with a head turn.
• You can change lanes smoothly using the signal, mirrors and shoulder check.
• You can avoid driving in other drivers' blind spots.
• You can recognize lane markings that ban or discourage lane changes.

What you need to know and understand

• Keep right except to pass, especially if you are slower than other traffic.
• A blind spot is an area around your vehicle you cannot see in your mirrors.
• California says to signal at least five seconds before changing lanes on a freeway.
• A broken white line between lanes means you may change lanes with care.
• A solid white line discourages lane changes; a double solid white line means do not change lanes.
• Turn your head toward the side you are moving to: left shoulder for a left move, right shoulder for a right move.
• Avoid frequent or unnecessary lane changes.

The lane-change routine

1. Decide early that you need to change lanes and check there is space in the new lane.
2. Signal in the direction you want to go.
3. Check your rearview and side mirrors for traffic coming up from behind.
4. Glance over your shoulder into the blind spot on that side.
5. If it is still clear, move over smoothly at a steady speed, without slowing down.
6. Cancel the signal once you are centered in the new lane.

Picking the right lane

On multi-lane roads, the right lane is for slower traffic and for vehicles getting ready to exit or turn right. The left lane is mainly for passing and for left turns. Lane-use signs and arrows on the pavement tell you which lanes must turn and which may go straight.

If you find yourself in the wrong lane at an intersection, do not swerve at the last second. Go the way your lane takes you and find another route. Oregon's manual points out that going around the block is safer than a last-minute lane change.

Blind spots work both ways

Other drivers have blind spots too. Large trucks have big blind spots alongside and directly behind them. Do not linger beside another vehicle. Either move ahead or drop back so the driver can see you in a mirror.

• Watch for motorcycles and cyclists, which fit easily in a blind spot.
• On freeways, watch for drivers two lanes over moving into the same lane as you.
• Special lanes such as HOV or center turn lanes have their own rules. Check the signs before entering.

Common mistakes

• Relying only on mirrors. Always add a quick shoulder check before moving over.
• Slowing down while changing lanes. Keep a steady speed so traffic behind is not surprised.
• Signaling and moving at the same moment. Signal first so others have time to react.
• Crossing a double solid white line or a solid line into a turn lane at the last moment. Plan ahead.
• Weaving between lanes in heavy traffic. It rarely saves time and raises your crash risk.

Test yourself: Lane use and changing lanes

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• How to Change Lanes Safely
• Center Turn Lane Rules
• HOV and Carpool Lanes Explained