No gaps though zip: can I push myself in if needed?

Question from Anna to the FIFA Expert Team:

I have a question about the zipper system: Before the Gubrist Tunnel on the A1 motorway, I wanted to change from the feed lane to the normal lane in heavy traffic. Even though I signaled early, two drivers wouldn’t let me in. Is it permissible for me to push myself in such cases?

Answer:

Dear I

No, “push” is still not allowed although zip must be worn. The zipper system became mandatory in 2021. So the other driver had to create a gap for you or else he could be fined 100 francs for the impediment. But: whoever changes your lane is “burdened with priority.” This means that anyone who changes course never has priority. This applies though the zip commitment! This may sound silly, but it has something to do with the passing principle: If others make mistakes, be tolerant and therefore not make the mistakes yourself. If you change lanes anyway, it can be dangerous. This will be punished more severely than disability – with a reprimand and withdrawal of ID, as the case may be.

Changing lanes is never a priority. This applies though the postal obligation.

The mobility experts at Viva

The fact that you blinked early enough is true and important. But flashing, cloud or otherwise, creates no right to a gap: flashing is information, not command. In addition to the zipper, because unfortunately it does not work very often: it is mandatory on multi-lane roads (traffic jams, as well as motorway entrances) if one of the lanes ends or is closed. Depending on the speed, you drive the lane almost to the end or, in the case of a traffic jam, to the end (in the case of construction sites, even “chatter bars”). There you hook the switch between left, right and left on the other lane, as the others must gradually create the appropriate gaps.

Flashing doesn’t really create a gap. Blinking is information, not a command.

The mobility experts at Viva

This was introduced to improve traffic flow: if traffic never stops, congestion clears up more quickly. Previously, drivers who got it right were often not allowed to stop on a track that was about to end. Many got engaged too soon. This created a second bottleneck that prolonged the traffic congestion. The purpose of the new regulation is to ensure that all lanes are fully utilized and, ultimately, everyone gets to their destination faster by squeezing together instead of against each other.

have a good trip!

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