When you are turning left onto a four way street, are you supposed to turn into the first lane?

Question

I'm really confused about this. When I watch other people turning onto the main road near my house, they always seem to turn into the far lane? Isn't that technically illegal? The police station is about a block away from where they do this and I never see anyone get pulled over so I'm not sure. I thought you were supposed to turn into the first lane and then look to see if there is anyone in the right lane and turn your blinker on and get into it, right? I also am wondering if it's true that on a 4 way road that you are supposed to always drive in the far lane and not the one closest to the median? I heard that's just the passing lane, correct? However, tons of people drive in that lane and never seem to get a ticket! Thanks for answering.

Answer 1

My dad always taught me to turn into the nearest lane when there is a single turning lane. He told me that is what the drivers handbook says but I have never actually verified that. I often do that as long as I'm not going to be making a right turn for a couple of miles. A lot of people just go ahead and turn into what ever lane they need to be in. A police would never pull you over for that.

You can drive in the left lane as long as you are going the speed limit. If you notice there is a lot of traffic piling up behind you or a lot of cars are passing you it would be a good idea to move over.

Answer 2

You should NEVER change lanes when going through an intersection. A lot of people ignore this rule (or just, think that it's ok) when turning, as you said, and turn into the far lane, but it is technically illegal. Even when you're in a single turning lane. Despite what these other people are saying.

And it's different depending on where you go for the "passing lane." Say, in big cities like LA, people drive in the passing lane all the time because of how many people live there. It's known more as the fast lane than the passing lane.

Answer 3

Just stay in your lane while turning....

Answer 4

Technically you can do it. If there is only ONE turning lane. If there is two turning lanes, you have to turn into the lane you started it. It's not illegal, so you don't get a ticket. You certainly can put your blinker on and switch after but you can just turn into it instead. And the four way road has no impact on that. :)

If you still confused I'm sure your DMV would love to answer it for you.:)

Answer 5

heres how it works...

You are turning there is only ONE turning lane, there are no other cars beside you. So it dosent matter if you swing out because nothing is beside you.

If you are at a redlight with two turning lanes going in the same direction, you MUST hold the lane down or you will run into the other cars beside

Answer 6

If you are turning from a single turn lane to a multi-lane road, you can choose any lane you want. If you are turning from a multi-turn lane, you have to take the corresponding lane on the road you are turning in to. Usually, the multi-turn lanes have dotted lines in the intersection to guide you.

Unless a lane is restricted to carpools, buses, trucks, etc., you can travel in any lane you want. The sign says "Slower traffic keep right." This usually refers to trucks and heavy vehicles. If you are in the #1 lane (closest to the median) driving the speed limit, say 65, and everyone is passing you and giving you not nice looks, your best bet would be in the #2 lane. No, you're not breaking the law, but it would be an unsafe situation. An unwritten law of driving (I made up) is "never draw attention to yourself - either by speeding or being a road block."

Great questions.

All the best.

Answer 7

yes turn into nearest lane