How to Use the Center Turning Lane

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

At some point or another, you’re going to have to make a left turn while you’re driving. Luckily, there’s a whole lane dedicated to helping you do just that. Whether you’re an experienced driver or a newbie, it’s totally fine to wonder what you’re allowed and what you’re not allowed to use the center turning lane for. We’ve answered a few common questions about the lane to make it easy for you.

Question 1 of 6:

What is a center turning lane?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid203629-v4-728px-Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The center turning lane is the single lane (marked by solid yellow lines) located smack dab in the middle of a 2-way street. As its name suggests, it’s designed for cars traveling in both directions to use it to make a turn. [1]
    2. Advertisement
Question 2 of 6:

What is a center lane used for?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/aid203629-v4-728px-Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The center turning lane is intended to be used for drivers to make left turns into driveways, parking lots, and other roads. You can also use the lane to make a U-turn if you need to travel in the opposite direction on the road. But look for signs that say that U-turns aren’t allowed before you do so you aren’t violating any traffic laws. [2]
Question 3 of 6:

How do you get into the turning lane?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/aid203629-v4-728px-Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Look over your left shoulder to make sure there isn’t a vehicle in the lane. Put on your turn signal so other drivers know that you plan to slow down and move into the turning lane. Slow your vehicle down, move into the center turning lane, and come to a stop. If the road is clear, you can make your turn! [3]
    2. Advertisement
Question 4 of 6:

When should you get into the center turn lane?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/aid203629-v4-728px-Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Some regions may have traffic laws that provide specific distances, while others may say a “reasonable” distance. Don’t enter the center turning lane multiple blocks away from your turn. You could actually get a ticket if you travel in the lane for too long. Stick to a reasonable distance and use the lane when your turn is coming up. [5]
Question 5 of 6:

Is it legal to use a turn lane to merge?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/aid203629-v4-728px-Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The center turning lane is meant to only be used for turning. If you use it for something else, such as merging or passing, you’re violating traffic laws and you could receive a hefty fine. [6]
    2. Advertisement
Question 6 of 6:

What does the center lane only sign mean?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/aid203629-v4-728px-Use-the-Center-Turning-Lane-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The two arrows on the center turning lane only sign can be a little confusing and make you think that you can turn either left or right. But it actually means you can only use the lane to make a left turn. Don’t use the lane for things like passing a vehicle or speeding up so you can merge into the road. [7]
    • Some center lanes may also have two arrows painted on the pavement. They mean the same thing as a center lane only sign: you can only use the lane to make a left turn!

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    When should you turn on your blinkers?
    Ibrahim Onerli
    Driving Instructor
    Ibrahim Onerli is a Driving Instructor and the Manager of Revolution Driving School in New York City. His mission is to make the world a better place by teaching safe driving. Ibrahim trains and manages a team of over eight driving instructors. He specializes in teaching defensive driving and stick shift driving.
    Ibrahim Onerli
    Driving Instructor
    Expert Answer
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6
  • Question
    Can I enter a left turn lane anywhere or only at the opening?
    Community Answer
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 23
  • Question
    Is it legal to use the turn lane to wait to drive into traffic?
    Community Answer
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 21 Helpful 17
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • In general, most center lanes should only be used for making left turns and not for passing other vehicles or merging with traffic. [8]
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Keep in mind that both directions of traffic are allowed to use the center lane to make a turn. Watch out for other drivers to avoid potential accidents.
        Thanks
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Drive on the Highway
      How to
      Tow a Trailer
      How to
      Drive a Car
      Driving an Automatic Car: Your Full Step-by-Step Tutorial
      How to
      Start a Car
      How to Reverse Into a Parking Space Like a Pro
      How to
      Adjust Seating to the Proper Position While Driving
      How to
      Drive
      How to
      Steer Your Car
      How to
      Drive a Car in Reverse Gear
      How to Properly Use Your Turn Signals on the Road
      How to
      Adjust Car Mirrors
      How to
      Stop at a STOP Sign
      How to
      Drive Uphill
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/traffic/rules-of-the-road/article80366597.html
      2. ↑ https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/navigating-the-roads/
      3. ↑ https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/navigating-the-roads/
      4. ↑ Ibrahim Onerli. Driving Instructor. Expert Interview. 18 November 2019.
      5. ↑ https://patch.com/michigan/brighton/is-it-legal-to-use-the-left-turn-lane-as-a-merging-lane
      6. ↑ https://patch.com/michigan/brighton/is-it-legal-to-use-the-left-turn-lane-as-a-merging-lane
      7. ↑ https://driversprep.com/two-way-left-turn-only-signs/
      8. ↑ https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/traffic/rules-of-the-road/article80366597.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      The center turning lane is a lane with an outer set of solid yellow lines and an inner set of dashed yellow lines. If the road only has 1 lane in each direction, turn on your left blinker to show other drivers that you’re about to enter the center turn lane. Before you move into the center lane, look for oncoming cars in it, since the lane is used by cars going in both directions. When the center turn lane is clear, move slowly into it. Alternatively, if the road has more than 1 lane in each direction, merge into the left lane before you turn into the center lane. Once you're in the center lane, watch the traffic in the oncoming lane until there’s a gap in the traffic. Then, accelerate and turn into the lane. For more tips, including how to use a center left-turn lane to enter a road, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 331,355 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement