When you go into the turning lane how do you know your allowed to be in it ?

Question

Some times there is an opening to enter the turning lane, some times there is not, but can you cross the double yellow line to enter the turning lane, and will you get in trouble for sitting in the turning lane for too long?

Sometimes in the turning lane there is another car coming head on towards your car because they are trying to use the turning lane as well, does that mean it is for one way traffic only? And that in this case, you are in the wrong lane, and therefore not allowed to use this turning lane ?

What does it mean when the turning lane comes to a close at one direction? Does this mean that is where it ends and you are not allowed to enter it from that side?

This is only the laws in California, because they are different every state?

So in California. Or more specifically L.A. County

Answer 1

the California DMV handbook:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl600.pdf

The center left turn lanes :

If a street has a center left turn

lane, you must use it when you

turn left (VC §21460.5[c]) or start

a permitted U-turn. You may only

drive for 200 feet in the center left

turn lane. This lane is not a regular

traffic lane or a passing lane.

If a car enters at teh sametime as you, they can only enter this, if they no more than 200 feet from their intended turn.