Right Lane Ends Sign: Meaning and What to Do
The yellow diamond reading RIGHT LANE ENDS warns that the right lane will disappear ahead and that traffic in it must merge left. It is the word version of the lane-reduction warning; the symbol version shows two lanes narrowing to one. A LEFT LANE ENDS version exists for the other side.
Right Lane Ends Sign
Lane ends are where drivers race to the front and force their way in, and where the merging vehicle and the through vehicle both believe they have the right of way. The rule is simple: the driver in the ending lane must yield to traffic in the lane that continues, but a courteous through driver leaves a gap.
What to do when you see the right lane ends sign
If you are in the right lane, signal, check your mirror and blind spot, and merge as soon as there is a safe gap, without waiting for the lane to run out. If you are in the through lane, hold your speed steady and let merging vehicles in ahead of you one at a time. Do not speed up to close a gap.
The signs it is confused with
Tests pair it with the Lane Ends symbol diamond, which says the same thing in pictures, and with the Merge sign, which warns of traffic entering from a ramp rather than a lane disappearing. In a work zone the same warning appears in orange as Right Lane Closed.
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Choose your stateQuestions about the right lane ends sign
What does right lane ends mean?
The right lane disappears ahead. Traffic in it must merge left, yielding to vehicles already in the through lane.
Who has the right of way at a lane end?
Traffic in the lane that continues. The merging driver must find a gap, though through drivers are expected to make merging reasonable.
When should I merge?
As soon as it is safe after seeing the sign. Merging early avoids the squeeze at the end of the lane where crashes happen.
What is the difference from the merge sign?
The Merge sign warns of traffic joining from an entrance. Lane Ends warns that a lane of the road itself is disappearing.
How does this sign appear on the written test?
In merging scenarios and as a word-versus-symbol pair with the Lane Ends diamond.