Commencing on the Highway for Motorists: A Guide

In the fast-paced world of highway driving, a common question arises: what should a driver do at the end of an acceleration lane when merging onto a busy highway? This question, it seems, is shrouded in a legal gray area, as the answer lies not only in the provisions of traffic regulations but also in the principles of mutual caution and respect.

According to the traffic regulations, drivers are expected to stop at the end of the acceleration lane if there's no gap in flowing traffic. However, in practice, this action contradicts what seems safer. Sudden stopping on a highway increases the risk of rear-end collisions or hazardous braking maneuvers. Yet, the police and ADAC, a well-known automobile association, advise that in case of failed merging, drivers should continue cautiously over the emergency lane until a gap in traffic is found.

The legal gray area between safety and regulation is clearly perceivable. On German autobahns, where the speed limit is often 130 km/h, stopping on the autobahn or on-ramps is forbidden as it can cause dangerous situations. Instead, when traffic does not flow while merging, drivers should avoid stopping or holding in entry or acceleration lanes. They must wait for a safe gap to merge, following the principle of mutual caution and respect according to traffic rules. Maintaining a suitable speed close to the recommended speed limit aids safe merging.

In a traffic safety or driving test, it is not clear what action is expected at the end of the acceleration lane. This ambiguity highlights the need for clearer guidelines to ensure the safety of all road users. Until then, drivers are advised to exercise caution, follow traffic rules, and prioritise safety above all else.