Q&A for How to Use the Center Turning Lane

Turn on your blinker 100 feet (30 meters) before you plan to turn. This will signal to the other drivers that you'll be slowing to turn.

You can only enter turn lanes at openings unless it is a continuous center turn lane with yellow markings on both sides. In that case, make sure you don't enter the turn lane too early; otherwise, you might collide with oncoming traffic turning left.

This is illegal in many states, so you'll have to check your state's specific laws regarding this rule, but I would not assume it's legal.

I presume you are. The truck was already on the road onto which you were turning, correct? If so, you need to yield to the truck, since you are the one entering the roadway and it is your responsibility to ensure all is clear.

Yes, although you may have someone beep.

Only for turning. Some states have specific laws stating that it is illegal to use the lane as a thru lane, but most states have laws along the lines of "don't use the two way turn lane as a thru lane."

In the United States it is technically illegal to go against any posted or otherwise marked traffic signal (such as lines painted on the roadway), regardless of time of day or where it is located, except if there are other (temporary) signs which indicate differently, such as signs placed due to damage to the roadway, construction, or repairs.

If you are in the left-turning lane (it being a single left-turning lane), it would be dangerously illegal for someone to pass you on your left. If you are driving on the left lane of two normal lanes and someone uses the left turning lane to pass you to continue going straight, that is also illegal because they would not be using the lane for its one and only purpose, which is to turn left. Both cases are regardless of the state of a traffic light, if any, or of any other traffic signals.

"Step three" of which method? To be completely sure, go to the DMV or transit authority in your state and request a driving manual. They should be free. All traffic signals and markings should be explained within.

It is illegal to drive on the left side of a double yellow lane marking. You must keep to the right of a double yellow and make a left turn from that lane.

In the state of Michigan you must turn into the closest "driving" lane in the direction that you are headed (this means not the left turn lane). The left turn lane can only legally be used to turn left from the roadway that has the center left turn lane. Other states can be different. Also, this may not be enforced vigorously.

You can do this in California if no signs prohibit it and you are not in a business district or in front of a fire station. If you're not in California, check your local traffic laws.

This question has a state specific answer. California allows 200 ft., Anchorage, AK allows 150 ft. Washington state allows 300 ft., etc.

No. You cannot stop on a roadway in any spot to unload a passenger. Pull into a parking lot or the pedestrian risks being hit by a car or other vehicle.

You should generally be on the side closest to the center left turn lane, if this is applicable to the road you are on (If it is wider than a two-lane road). This is most likely going to be the left side, depending on where you are.