The left center turn lane is the lane in the middle of a two-way street that motorists should be using to make U-turns or left turns. This lane of traffic is not for passing or traveling. Unfortunately, far too many drivers fail to follow these traffic rules and go on to cause serious collisions resulting in catastrophic injury or death.
If you were critically injured in a center left turn lane accident when turning left from a side street onto the main road or a driveway, or while attempting to complete a U-turn, you may have the right to compensation for your losses.
With help from a high-powered California car accident lawyer from Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, you can identify the liable party and demand total compensation for your damages. Here is more about how long drivers can drive in the center left turn lane, who has the right of way, and what you can do if your injuries were caused by a negligent driver.
Specific Legal Distance For Safe Travel in a Left Turn Center Lane
According to CVC 21460.5, drivers can legally drive in the center left turn, or two-way left turn lane (TWLTL) for up to 200 feet. If these turns cannot be completed safely, you should continue driving until you can find a more suitable place to turn or wait for traffic to clear. You should never stop completely in the left turn center lane of traffic.
Before making the turn, you should look for other vehicles coming towards you. Only make a U-turn if there is not a distinct No U-turn sign and you can complete the turn safely. You should never attempt to complete a U-turn or left turn from any other lane if there is a two-way left turn lane.
Exceptions or Variations by State
There may be some exceptions to California’s TWLTL laws. These include:
- If the center lane includes signs for traffic moving in your direction, you are allowed to drive in that lane.
- The center lane can be used to pass another vehicle if you can see ahead and the road is clear.
- The rules for center lane turns do not apply to one-way roads.
Tips for Safely Using the Left Turn Center Lane
If you need to use the two-way left turn lane to make your turn, there are some safety tips that may help you do so as efficiently as possible while remaining in compliance with the local law. These safety tips include:
- Moving into the center lane only when you are ready to make the left turn.
- Never use the left turn center lane to pass other vehicles.
- Never drive long distances in the left turn center lane.
- Check blind spots before making your left turn from the center lane.
- Never stop in the middle of the left turn center lane.
Consult a Trial-Proven California Car Accident Attorney for Help Today
Drivers should never travel in the two-way left-turn lane for more than 200 feet. All motorists are expected to complete their turns without stopping or blocking traffic while yielding to the right-of-way. Following local traffic laws is crucial if you hope to protect yourself and others from serious bodily injury or death in a collision.
Unfortunately, there is little you can do to control how other drivers operate their vehicles. If you have suffered devastating injuries in a TWLTL accident and are unsure of where to turn for help, do not hesitate to contact a leading California personal injury lawyer from Text Kevin Accident Attorneys for legal guidance and support. Our firm offers free consultations to car accident victims across the state. Claim yours by filling out our online contact form or call our office and get started on your claim as soon as today.
