Warning Road Sign (W9-1)
Right Lane Ends (Lane Reduction) Sign Meaning & Driving Rules
Warns that the right-hand travel lane is terminating ahead and vehicles must merge into the adjacent through lane.
Required Driver Action & Right-of-Way Protocol
Check left mirrors and blind spots, signal your intention early, match traffic speed, and merge smoothly.
Detailed Overview & Purpose
The Right Lane Ends sign (W9-1) gives early notice of a lane drop. Drivers in the right lane must prepare to merge left into the continuing through lane.
Modern traffic engineering supports the 'zipper merge' at heavy traffic volumes: use both lanes until the merge point, then take turns merging one by one.
Key Standard & Origin: The zipper merge reduces traffic backup length by up to 40% compared to premature merging.
Where You'll Find This Sign
Freeway lane drop points, bridge approaches, and highway construction zones.
Common Driver Mistakes to Avoid
Cutting off through-traffic aggressively at the last possible second without signaling.
How This Sign Appears on the DMV Knowledge & Road Test
Tests lane merge etiquette and zipper merge principles.
Legal Penalties and Moving Violations
Forcing an unsafe merge without yielding carries moving violation citations.
Sign Variations & Related Types
Left Lane Ends (W9-1L)
Left lane terminates, traffic must merge right.
When you encounter the official Right Lane Ends (Lane Reduction) (W9-1) on a roadway, what is your legal duty?
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