How to Turn Left at a Light when there is no Left Turn Lane

Turning left at a traffic light without the benefit of a left-turn arrow can be tricky. Additionally, it becomes even more complicated when the road you are on is not marked with a left-turn lane and people behind you are honking because they want to make it through the light. However, there are a few basic driving techniques that can help you make your turn safely and keep traffic from getting backed up behind you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   NO LEFT TURN

   Make sure there is not a sign indicating that left turns are not allowed.

2. 
   Turn on left signal.

   Turn on your left turn signal to let other drivers know your intentions. This way, people behind you will know you are turning left and if they aren't too, they can move to the right to help keep traffic flowing.

3. 

   Get as far to the left as you can (while remaining on your side of the road) before making the turn. This way, people that want to go straight through the light or turn right should be able to proceed. In other words, pretend the road is marked with arrows and turn lanes.

4. 

   Move into the intersection so you are ready to make your left turn in a timely fashion once traffic has cleared. This way, people behind you who also want to turn left will be able to be ready to make the turn too.

Tips & Warnings

• Always be alert and pay attention to other cars around you.
• If opposing traffic has not cleared and the light turns yellow, make sure the next car coming toward the light in the opposing lane is slowing for the light before proceeding to turn.
• Also, check to see that cars traveling in lanes perpendicular to you are not speeding up to the intersection in anticipation of their light turning green.
• Don't pull so far into the intersection that you cannot see when the light changes to yellow.

[richardchan]

on 5/18/2008 Simple, straight to the point, and good solutions or alternatives for ways to not hold up traffic and safely make a left turn without causing an accident! Two thumbs up! =)

[ursaminor]

on 4/10/2008 What a good, clear, concise article. I've been making left turns for years, and never thought it through so well in my life! Thank you. When my daughter finally learns to drive, I'll send her your way.