# Laws Regarding Merging Traffic on Texas Highways and Freeways | Attorney Brian White ![What Are the Laws Regarding Merging Traffic on Texas Highways and Freeways?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/What-Are-the-Laws-Regarding-Merging-Traffic-on-Texas-Highways-and-Freeways-300x200.jpg) [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/)’ highways and freeways are some of the busiest in the United States. They see thousands of daily commuters, sightseers, and [18-wheelers](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/) every day. Although merging lanes and entering highways are skills drivers learn upon receiving a driver’s license, the rules and realities of this skill can be much different on hectic roadways. Learning the laws in regard to merging traffic can keep you safe and out of legal trouble during future travel in the Lone Star State. ## Right-of-Way During Traffic Merges on Freeways [Section 545.061 of the Texas Transportation Code](https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2005/tn/007.00.000545.00.html) states that a driver must yield to traffic on his/her left when entering a lane from the right, on a roadway divided into three or more lanes for one-way traffic. Put simply, this means drivers entering a Texas highway or freeway must legally yield to vehicles already driving. This is the common sense solution – otherwise, the vehicle entering the highway would collide with moving traffic or force traffic to come to a halt, creating a dangerous roadblock. If drivers yield the [right-of-way](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/right-of-way-laws-in-texas/) to vehicles entering the highway, this is courtesy and not a legal requirement. Drivers may yield to avoid an unnecessary collision, but it is the merging driver’s duty to slow or come to a [stop until it is safe to merge onto the highway](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-safely-stop-on-a-highway-shoulder-in-an-emergency/). This statute also applies to vehicles [changing lanes](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/lane-change/) on the freeway. The vehicle doing the merging must yield to vehicles already driving in the lane. During a lane change on the freeway, it is only legally acceptable to pass slower moving drivers on the left-hand side. The vehicle doing the passing must move to the lane on his or her left, [safely accelerate past the driver](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-be-a-safe-driver-for-motorcyclists/), and then return to the previous lane. This keeps slower moving vehicles in the right and middle lanes, and faster moving vehicles in the left-most lanes. [Driving slowly in the left lane](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/can-18-wheeler-trucks-drive-in-the-left-lane-in-houston/) or fast in the right lane can cause collisions. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Tips to Avoid Collisions on Texas’ Freeways When in doubt, **[yield the right of way](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-does-yielding-the-right-of-way-mean/) to the driver trying to merge**. It is never a good idea to force another driver to wait if it will create a dangerous circumstance, especially if you can yield and avoid the entire situation. Although drivers on the freeway legally have the right of way over merging vehicles, some drivers ignore this rule. You may encounter a driver that refuses to yield the right of way while merging, forcing his or her way in between vehicles on the highway. If possible, switch lanes to avoid vehicles that are merging. If you are the driver merging onto the freeway, **optimize your speed to avoid disrupting the flow of traffic**. The vehicles on the freeway are already moving at a certain pace – possibly up to the [speed limit](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-many-mph-can-i-go-above-the-speed-limit-in-houston-tx/) of 70 to 75 miles per hour. Merging vehicles should do their best to match the [speed of highway drivers](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-much-space-must-drivers-leave-between-cars-at-highway-speeds/), accelerating immediately upon entering the freeway ramp. Merging drivers must do their best to control their speed as to not confuse other drivers, cause an auto accident, or cause an unnecessary slowdown. **You may drive on the shoulder of the highway while trying to merge onto a freeway if necessary**. Section 545.058 of the Texas Transportation Code states that a driver may enter the shoulder of a road while merging into traffic. The driver may accelerate along the shoulder until he or she meets a sufficient speed to safely merge. Always choose the shoulder instead of cutting off a driver on the freeway. Practice defensive driving at all times on the highway. Assume other drivers do not know the law, and always yield the right of way to avoid a collision. If you were recently involved in an [auto accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/) due to someone merging incorrectly, speak to a Houston car accident lawyer now. Our initial consultations are always free! ## Call the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers today for Help For more information, [contact](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/contact-us/) the [Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/) car accident law firm of [Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/) by calling [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000). Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. As a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, Brian represents clients throughout Houston in cases involving [car accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/), truck accidents, [motorcycle accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/motorcycle-accident-lawyer/), [brain injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/brain-injury-lawyer/), [wrongful death](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/wrongful-death-lawyer/), and more. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives across Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://m.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F&wtsid=rdr_0Jv4ZHC01Qt9UWJO9/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ?app=desktop/) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fattorneybrianwhite%2F%3Fhl%3Den&is_from_rle/) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Car Accidents Blog Posts: [![The 5 Most Common Types of Car Crashes](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Houston-Traffic-Accident-Attorney-Brian-White-Personal-Injury-Lawyers-1-300x200.jpeg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/top-25-causes-of-car-accidents-and-what-you-can-do-to-prevent-them/) [Top 25 Causes of Car Accidents and What You Can Do to Prevent Them](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/top-25-causes-of-car-accidents-and-what-you-can-do-to-prevent-them/) Thousands of motor vehicle accidents occur in Texas each year. You might not be able to avoid all car accidents. [![Clear Lake Car Accident Statistics](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/clear-lake-car-accident-statistics/) [Clear Lake Car Accident Statistics](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/clear-lake-car-accident-statistics/) As one of the country’s largest metropolitan areas, Houston presents an outsized risk of severe and fatal [![5 Things You Need to Know About Going to the Emergency Room After a Car Accident in Houston Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/5-Things-You-Need-to-Know-About-Going-to-the-Emergency-Room-After-a-Car-Accident-in-Houston-Texas-300x169.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-going-to-the-emergency-room-after-a-car-accident/) [5 Things You Need to Know About Going to the Emergency Room After a Car Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-going-to-the-emergency-room-after-a-car-accident/) When a person is seriously injured in a car accident it is very common for them to be taken to an emergency room for [![The Dangers of Driving With Loud Music in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/The-Dangers-of-Driving-With-Loud-Music-in-Houston-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-dangers-of-driving-with-loud-music-in-houston/) [The Dangers of Driving With Loud Music in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-dangers-of-driving-with-loud-music-in-houston/) More than 2.3 million Texans call Houston home. With such a large population, traffic collisions happen every --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/laws-regarding-merging-traffic-on-texas-highways-and-freeways/