Center Turn Lane Rules Explained: How to Use Them to Make Safe Left Turns

What Are Center Turn Lanes?

Center left-turn lanes are marked on both sides by painted yellow lines. The outer lines are painted solid and the inner lines are broken. Center left-turn lanes are located in the middle of two-way streets to help vehicles safely turn left from both directions (or make U-turns if permitted) without blocking other traffic.

Center Left Turn Lane Rules

Remember these rules for driving in center turn lanes:

• If a road has a center turn lane and you intend to turn left, use the turn lane
• Don’t drive in a turn lane for long distances.
• Do not use the center turn lane to pass other vehicles.

Additionally, when turning using a center turn lane, you should wait in the turn lane and:

• Check blind spots
• Look for oncoming traffic in the left lane
• Wait for a safe gap in traffic
• Watch out for traffic pulling onto the main road from side streets
• Be aware of vehicles traveling in the opposite direction as they are allowed to enter the turn lane to make a turn

If needed, you can use the center turn lane when turning left onto the main road from a driveway or side street. Enter the turn lane once safe and wait there until you can safely enter the traffic flow again.