Turning Basics (Right and Left Turns)

🚦 Signal and Positioning

• Signal at least 100 feet (approx. 3–4 seconds) before the turn to warn others.
• For a right turn: Use the far right lane or a designated right-turn lane.
• For a left turn: Use the far left lane or a designated turn lane.
• If multiple turn lanes exist, choose the lane that aligns best with your destination.

🐢 Slow Down Before the Turn

• Reduce speed to a safe turning speed:
  • Right turn: 5–15 mph
  • Left turn: 10–15 mph (in city traffic)
• Do not brake hard during the turn — instead:
  • Slow down beforehand
  • Turn smoothly
  • Accelerate gently as you exit the turn

➡️ Right Turn Specifics

• Start and end in the lane nearest the right-hand curb
• Do not swing wide
• Yield to pedestrians crossing the street you are turning into
• If there’s a bike lane:
  • Merge into the bike lane within 200 feet of the turn
  • Check for cyclists and let them pass before merging

🔴 Right Turn on Red

• Allowed unless a sign prohibits it (e.g., “No Turn on Red”)
• You must:
  1. Stop completely at the limit line or crosswalk
  2. Yield to:
     • Pedestrians with the walk signal
     • Cross traffic with the green light
  3. Turn only when safe and clear

⬅️ Left Turn Specifics

• Yield to:
  • Oncoming vehicles
  • Motorcycles
  • Bicycles
  • Pedestrians

🟢 Green Arrow (Protected Left Turn)

• Oncoming traffic is stopped
• Proceed, but still yield to pedestrians

🟢 Solid Green Light (Unprotected Turn)

• Proceed only if there’s no oncoming traffic or pedestrians
• Creep into the intersection while waiting for a gap
• If light turns red while you’re in the intersection, complete the turn safely
• Keep wheels straight while waiting to avoid being pushed into oncoming traffic if rear-ended

🔴 Left Turn on Red

• Only allowed from a one-way street to another one-way street
• Must stop first, then turn when clear
• Prohibited if signs forbid it

⬅️⬅️ Multiple Left-Turn Lanes

• Stay in your lane throughout the turn
• Typical configuration:
  • Inner left-turn lane turns into inner lane
  • Outer left-turn lane turns into adjacent right lane
• Follow lane markings and dashed guide lines

⚠️ Avoid Cutting Corners

• Do not cut sharply on left turns — may enter oncoming lane
• Do not swing wide on right turns — may end up too far over
• Use proper steering:
  • Hand-over-hand or push-pull
• For longer vehicles:
  • Take a wider arc only as needed
  • Avoid curbs, but stay in your lane as much as possible