Right Lane Ends Sign
The right lane ends ahead and traffic must merge left
In short: A Right Lane Ends sign warns that the right lane is ending ahead and its traffic must merge left. Signal and merge early rather than racing to the end, and take turns with through traffic — one car at a time, zipper style.
What to do
Merge into the open lane early and take turns with other drivers.
Tips
Use the zipper merge — alternate one car at a time.
Test yourself
You see this sign while driving. What do you have to do?
Show the answer
Merge into the open lane early and take turns with other drivers.
Common mistake
Waiting until the last second to merge
How to recognize this sign
Also searched as right lane ends sign, lane ends merge left, or lane ends sign.
About warning signs
Warning signs are diamond-shaped and yellow with black symbols. They alert you to hazards ahead — curves, intersections, crossings — so you have time to slow down. On the DMV written test, expect several questions asking what a specific warning sign means and what action it calls for.
Practice questions about this sign
This right-lane-ends sign means:
- A. A new right lane opens ahead
- B. The right lane is for exiting traffic only
- C. The right lane ends ahead and traffic must merge left
- D. The right shoulder is closed ahead
Show answer
C. The right lane ends ahead and traffic must merge left — This sign warns that the right lane is ending, so drivers in that lane must merge left, taking turns with traffic already in the continuing lane.
Universal rule · checked against MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 2 — Signs (General) — Traffic Signs — General · verified 2026-08-01
Frequently asked questions
What does the Right Lane Ends Sign mean?
The right lane ends ahead and traffic must merge left
What should you do at a Right Lane Ends Sign?
Merge into the open lane early and take turns with other drivers.
Reference standard: Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices ↗. State and local agencies may add rules or operating times, so follow the complete posted sign where you drive. How DMV Prep sources content.
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