Zipper methodPoland
An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Poland. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.
For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.
169. Zipper method
The zipper method, also called zipper merging, is a way of merging traffic when one or more lanes end or become blocked. Drivers use the available lanes up to the merging point and then enter the continuing lane alternately, like the teeth of a zipper.
The method is especially useful in slow or congested traffic because it makes full use of the available road space and creates an orderly merging pattern. Drivers should avoid merging too early when zipper merging applies.
Wikimedia.org • Adrian Grycuk • CC BY-SA
When is zipper merging a legal duty in Poland?
Polish jazda na suwak rules apply when traffic has slowed substantially and a lane ends or is obstructed. Immediately before the obstruction, the continuing-lane driver must allow the prescribed alternating merge. Normal lane-change priority rules apply in free-flowing traffic.
What happens when a lane closes on each side of the middle lane in Poland?
In significantly slowed traffic, when the middle lane remains open and the lanes on both sides end or are blocked, the middle-lane driver must allow one vehicle from the right, then one from the left immediately before the narrowing.

Traffic rules
Poland