How should you execute a left turn at a multi-lane intersection?

How should you execute a left turn at a multi-lane intersection?

• A. Pass in any lane as long as you yield to traffic.
• B. Signal early, position yourself in the left-turn lane or closest to the turning lane, and merge into the proper lane after turning.
• C. Turn from the middle lane and then merge to the left after turning.
• D. Signal late and stay in the center lane until you complete the turn.

Answer: (B)

Left turns at multi‑lane intersections require you to be in the correct lane and communicate your intention clearly. The right approach is to signal early to let others know you’re turning, move into the left-turn lane if there is one (or the lane closest to the turning path) well before you reach the intersection, and then complete the turn by merging into the proper lane on the road you exit onto. This creates a predictable, safe path for you and other drivers and helps you end up in the correct lane rather than weaving across lanes after you’ve started the turn. The other ideas fail because turning from a middle lane can force you to cross traffic lanes mid-turn, passing in other lanes while turning is unsafe and can surprise drivers, and signaling late or staying in the center lane does not give other road users adequate notice or a clear exit path.

Left turns at multi‑lane intersections require you to be in the correct lane and communicate your intention clearly. The right approach is to signal early to let others know you’re turning, move into the left-turn lane if there is one (or the lane closest to the turning path) well before you reach the intersection, and then complete the turn by merging into the proper lane on the road you exit onto. This creates a predictable, safe path for you and other drivers and helps you end up in the correct lane rather than weaving across lanes after you’ve started the turn.

The other ideas fail because turning from a middle lane can force you to cross traffic lanes mid-turn, passing in other lanes while turning is unsafe and can surprise drivers, and signaling late or staying in the center lane does not give other road users adequate notice or a clear exit path.