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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.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhen should you turn on your blinkers?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.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.
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QuestionCan I enter a left turn lane anywhere or only at the opening?Community AnswerYou 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.
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QuestionIs it legal to use the turn lane to wait to drive into traffic?Community AnswerThis 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.
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] X Research sourceThanks
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
References
- ↑ https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/08046/index.cfm
- ↑ https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/navigating-the-roads/
- ↑ https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/navigating-the-roads/
- ↑ Ibrahim Onerli. Driving Instructor. Expert Interview. 18 November 2019.
- ↑ https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Driver-Services/Driver-Licensing/Driver-Manual/Chapter-3/Everyday-Driving/Pages/Turning-Merging-Passing.aspx
- ↑ https://dmv.ri.gov/node/1221
- ↑ https://dot.nebraska.gov/news-events/transportation-tidbits/center-turn-lanes/
- ↑ https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Driver-Services/Driver-Licensing/Driver-Manual/Chapter-3/Everyday-Driving/Pages/Turning-Merging-Passing.aspx
About This Article
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!
