Driving on highways and expressways – rules, speed limits, merging

Driving on fast roads is a stressful moment for many beginner drivers. High speeds, dynamic lane changes, and that terrifying acceleration lane... Relax! In this guide, we will explain everything step by step so you can feel confident on the exam (and after).

Highway vs. Expressway – Differences

First, some theory that often appears on the theoretical exam.

1. Markings

• Highway: Sign with a white viaduct and road symbol on a blue background.
• Expressway: Sign with a white car symbol on a blue background (often confused, but remember: the "S-road" has a car symbol).

2. Speed Limits (Passenger Car)

You must know this by heart:

• Highway: 140 km/h.
• Dual-carriageway Expressway: 120 km/h.
• Single-carriageway Expressway: 100 km/h.

Note for the exam: The examiner will rarely take you to a highway (unless it's near the center), but to an expressway – very often! Remember that these are maximum speeds, not mandatory ones. If conditions are bad (rain, heavy traffic), drive slower. But don't overdo it – driving 60 km/h on an expressway obstructs traffic and you will fail the exam.

How to safely merge into traffic? (Acceleration lane)

This is the most difficult maneuver. The acceleration lane serves to – surprise – accelerate.

Mistake #1: You reach the end of the acceleration lane at 40 km/h, stop, and wait for someone to let you in. Consequence: You create a deadly hazard. Approaching trucks and cars are doing 90-120 km/h. Starting from zero, you have no chance.

How to do it correctly?

1. Pedal to the metal: When entering the acceleration lane, accelerate dynamically. Don't be afraid of high RPMs. Third, fourth gear... you must reach a speed close to the cars on the adjacent lane (approx. 80-100 km/h).
2. Mirror and Indicator: Immediately turn on the left indicator. Watch for a gap between cars in the mirror.
3. Merge: When you have the right speed and see a gap, smoothly change lanes.

Golden Rule: It is better to merge into a gap dynamically than to brake at the end of the acceleration lane.

Emergency Corridor and Zipper Merge

Two rules that entered the code recently and are crucial:

Emergency Corridor

When a traffic jam forms and you hear emergency vehicle signals:

• Driving in the leftmost lane: move as far to the left as possible.
• Driving in any other lane: move as far to the right as possible. The center remains empty for the ambulance/fire brigade. It saves lives!

Zipper Merge

When two lanes merge into one and there is a traffic jam:

• Drive in the ending lane to the very end. Do not change lanes earlier ("don't be a sheriff").
• The car in the continuing lane is obliged to let in one car from the ending lane.
• The change happens smoothly, "one by one".

What NOT to do on the highway?

1. Reversing and U-turning: Absolutely forbidden. If you missed an exit, drive to the next interchange.
2. Stopping on the shoulder: Only in case of breakdown. Want to stretch your legs or smoke? Pull over to a Rest Area (MOP).
3. Tailgating: Keep a safe distance. At 120 km/h, you travel over 33 meters per second. On the highway, the distance should be half the speed in meters (e.g., at 120 km/h -> 60 meters).

Remember: Fast roads are statistically the safest, but mistakes on them cost the most. Stay calm, look far ahead, and use mirrors more often than in the city. Good luck!