A method, apparatus, and system for executing a lane change is disclosed. That an ADV is in a lane changing region for an anticipated lane change into a neighboring target lane in a first direction is determined. The first direction is either a left direction or a right direction in a direction of travel of the ADV. A reference line is moved toward the target lane in the first direction at a predetermined rate while the reference line is kept within a current lane of the ADV. A gap in traffic for the anticipated lane change is searched for. Thereafter, in response to finding the gap in traffic for the anticipated lane change, the ADV is controlled to complete the lane change into the target lane.