We’ve all driven in one and maybe didn’t even realize what it was called. They can feel a little intimidating at first and tend to make drivers a bit anxious, but the key is knowing the proper way to use them.
A weave lane is a short lane on an expressway where drivers are merging and getting off at the same time. Drivers must use them carefully and any driver merging onto the expressway should yield the right of way to those drivers already on the expressway who may be exiting.
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How does a weave lane work?
Most on-ramps and off-ramps are far from each other, giving plenty of time for drivers to make decisions. In a weave lane, the on-ramp and off-ramp are very close to each other which creates a weaving pattern as cars get on and off at the same time.
Weave lanes can seem intimidating at first, but after some practice you should be able to gain more confidence with experience.
Who has the right of way in a weave lane?
The car exiting the expressway has the right of way in a weave lane. New cars entering the expressway via the onramp need to control their speed and yield to any car already on the road that is trying to exit via the off-ramp.
What if nobody lets me over in a weave lane?
Weave lanes are designed for quick decision making and sometimes heavy traffic or aggressive drivers can make it difficult or even impossible to change over the the lane that you need to in such a short amount of time. My advice is to always be a defensive driver and to not make aggressive moves that could cause an accident.
If cars are not allowing you to safely use a weave lane, you should just stay in your lane. This will mean that you either miss your exit, or do not get to merge onto the expressway and go right off again, basically on-ramp to off-ramp quickly. This can be extremely frustrating but safety is the most important thing. It’s better to add a few more minutes to your trip than to drive aggressively so you don’t miss your necessary lane changes to get where you need to go.
Tips for driving in a weave lane
- Always yield to drivers already on the expressway
- Always use your turn signals
- Always be a defensive driver and do not make aggressive lane changes.
Example test question:
What is a Weave Lane?
❌ A. A lane for pulling over and getting out of your car
✅ B. A short lane on an expressway where drivers are merging and getting off at the same time.
❌ C. A lane that you cannot pass on.
