Use the Center Turning Lane

A center left-turn lane is a single lane in the middle of a road that is used for cars that are turning left from either direction. It is also used by drivers entering the main road from a sidestreet or driveway. A center left-turn lane allows cars to turn left without disrupting the flow of traffic. Specific laws about center left-turn lane use vary by state, but there are some general rules that apply everywhere.

Steps

Recognizing a Center Left-Turn Lane

1. Look for a center lane bordered by two sets of yellow lines. The outer yellow lines are solid, while the inner yellow lines are dashed.
2. Look for a “Center Lane Only” sign. The sign will have two curved arrows indicating left turns.
3. Don’t confuse a dedicated turn lane for a center turn lane. Dedicated turn lanes occur at intersections and may only be used by one direction of traffic. Center turn lanes run down the entire road and may be used by both directions of traffic.

Using a Center Left-Turn Lane to Exit a Road

1. Get in the left lane. On a two-lane street this won’t be an issue. But if there is more than one lane of traffic going in the same direction, merge into the left lane.
2. Turn on your left blinker. This will signal to other drivers that you are about to enter the center turn lane.
3. Watch for other traffic in the center turn lane. Remember: the center turn lane is used by traffic going in both directions. You need to look for oncoming cars as well as cars going in your direction.
4. Pull into the center turn lane. When you see that the coast is clear, decelerate and ease your car into the center turn lane.
5. Look for oncoming traffic in the left lane. Unless there is no traffic coming in the opposite direction, you’ll have to stop before you make your left turn. Wait until there is a gap in the traffic before you attempt your turn.
   • Also watch out for traffic pulling onto the main road from side roads.
6. Make your left turn. Accelerate at a normal pace. Once you begin the turn you will be in a lane of oncoming traffic, so don’t stop once you’ve started your turn.

Using a Center Left-Turn Lane to Enter a Road

1. Pull up to the end of the sidestreet or driveway you’ll be turning from. If it’s a sidestreet, pull up to the stop sign; if it’s a driveway, pull up to where you can safely both directions of traffic on the main road.
   • Watch for pedestrians who may be crossing in the street in front of the sidestreet or driveway.
2. Turn on your left blinker. This signals to drivers that you are going to cross the left lane of traffic.
3. Look for traffic coming from your left. You’ll be crossing the left lane, so it’s important there is no oncoming traffic before you make your turn.
   • Be especially cautious on four-lane roads. Remember that there will be two lanes of oncoming traffic on these roads.
4. Make sure the center turn lane is clear. Watch for any cars that are waiting in the center turn lane. Also look for cars in the right and left lanes that have their left turn signals on; these cars may be about to enter the center turn lane.
5. Enter the center turn lane. Cross the left lane and pull into the center turn lane. Make sure your car is entirely in the center lane and not sticking out into the right or left lanes.
6. Stop. Once you’re in the center turn lane, stop and look for incoming traffic on your right.
   • Generally, you can’t use the center turn lane to merge with traffic. In other words, you can’t accelerate in the center turn lane and then pull into traffic. You must stop and wait for a break in the traffic. However, a few cities do allow drivers to “sneak” forward in the center turn lane in order to merge with traffic. Check your local laws.
7. Pull into the right lane. When you see a break in traffic, pull into the right lane and accelerate.

Avoiding Mistakes

1. Always use the center turn lane to turn left. If there is a center turn lane present, you must use it to turn left. Don’t attempt to turn left directly out of the regular flow of traffic.
2. Don’t pass in the center turn lane. Passing on the left is generally illegal, and it is especially dangerous with a center turn lane since there may be cars coming in the opposite direction.
3. Don’t use the center lane as a driving lane. Only emergency vehicles may use the center turn lane as a regular driving lane.
   • In some cities where traffic gets especially busy, the center turn lane is occasionally modified to a regular driving lane during rush hour. Only use the center turn lane in this way if you are sure it is legal.
4. Don’t pull into the center turn lane too soon. Most states require that you wait until 200 or 300 feet before your turn before pulling into the center turn lane—although some states simply state that you cannot drive in the center turn lane for more than a “reasonable” distance. Don’t pull into the center turn lane when your turn is several block ahead.
   • The distance you guy drive in a center turn lane varies by state. Check your local laws.
5. Watch for traffic using the center turn lane to cross the road. Cars turning left onto the main road will have to cross the center turn lane. Keep an eye out for cars about to pull into the center turn lane from sidestreets or driveways.

Tips

• Stick to the basics. If you follow the general rules, 9 times out of 10 you will be in the right. However, people frequently misuse center left-turn lanes and these lanes are a common topic of letters-to-the-editor from citizens asking for clarification of the rules.

Warnings

• Traffic laws vary by state. Check your local laws.

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