How to Use the Center Turning Lane

Co-authored by Ibrahim Onerli

Last Updated: September 16, 2021 References

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

Question 1 of 6:
What is a center turning lane?

1
It’s for cars to make a left turn. 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]
X
Research source}

Question 2

Question 2 of 6:
What is a center lane used for?

1
It’s for drivers to make a left turn or a U-turn if it’s allowed. 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]
X
Research source}

Question 3

Question 3 of 6:
How do you get into the turning lane?

1
Use your turn signal, slow down, and merge into the lane when it’s clear. 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]
X
Research source}
- Flip your blinker on about 100 feet (30 m) before you plan on turning.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Ibrahim Onerli
  Driving Instructor
  Expert Interview. 18 November 2019.}

Question 4

Question 4 of 6:
When should you get into the center turn lane?

1
Enter the lane about 100 yards (91 m) or so before your turn. 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]
X
Research source}

Question 5

Question 5 of 6:
Is it legal to use a turn lane to merge?

1
No, it’s unlawful to use the turning lane as a merge lane. 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]
X
Research source}

Question 6

Question 6 of 6:
What does the center lane only sign mean?

1
It means you can only make a left turn. 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]
X
Research source}
- 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!

Community Q&A

Question

When should you turn on your blinkers?

Ibrahim Onerli
Driving Instructor
Ibrahim Onerli is the Partner and Manager of Revolution Driving School, a New York City-based driving school with a mission to make the world a better place by teaching safe driving. Ibrahim trains and manages a team of over 8 driving instructors and specializes in 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.
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.
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.
Question

I pulled out of a parking lot across two lanes into the center lane going left. I was hit on the front driver's side by a truck that switched into the center lane at the same time. Who is at fault?

Community Answer

I presume you are. The truck was already on the road onto which you were turning, correct? If so, you need to yield to the truck, since you are the one entering the roadway and it is your responsibility to ensure all is clear.
Question

If I am turning left onto a street, can I pull into the center lane and stay there until I can merge into the traffic lane?

Community Answer

Yes, although you may have someone beep.
Question

Is it legal to use a center left turn lane when there isn't a left lane to take?

Community Answer

Only for turning. Some states have specific laws stating that it is illegal to use the lane as a thru lane, but most states have laws along the lines of "don't use the two way turn lane as a thru lane."
Question

Can a center left turning lane at the end of a side street be used to turn right?

Community Answer

In the United States it is technically illegal to go against any posted or otherwise marked traffic signal (such as lines painted on the roadway), regardless of time of day or where it is located, except if there are other (temporary) signs which indicate differently, such as signs placed due to damage to the roadway, construction, or repairs.
Question

Is it legal for someone to pass me on the left while turning left from the center lane?

Community Answer

If you are in the left-turning lane (it being a single left-turning lane), it would be dangerously illegal for someone to pass you on your left. If you are driving on the left lane of two normal lanes and someone uses the left turning lane to pass you to continue going straight, that is also illegal because they would not be using the lane for its one and only purpose, which is to turn left. Both cases are regardless of the state of a traffic light, if any, or of any other traffic signals.
Question

Is step three legal in Iowa?

Community Answer

"Step three" of which method? To be completely sure, go to the DMV or transit authority in your state and request a driving manual. They should be free. All traffic signals and markings should be explained within.
Question

If there is a wide double solid yellow line next to the central left lane, can I move further from the left central lane into the wide solid yellow lane and then make a left turn?

Community Answer

It is illegal to drive on the left side of a double yellow lane marking. You must keep to the right of a double yellow and make a left turn from that lane.

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!
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Co-authored by:

Driving Instructor

This article was co-authored by Ibrahim Onerli. Ibrahim Onerli is the Partner and Manager of Revolution Driving School, a New York City-based driving school with a mission to make the world a better place by teaching safe driving. Ibrahim trains and manages a team of over 8 driving instructors and specializes in defensive driving and stick shift driving. This article has been viewed 227,816 times.

3 votes - 100%

Co-authors: 18

Updated: September 16, 2021

Views: 227,816

Categories: Learning to Drive

Article SummaryX

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?