Two-Way Left Turn Lanes - Shared Lane: What is the purpose of this lane?

Two-Way Left Turn Lanes - Shared Lane: What is the purpose of this lane?

• A. It is a through lane for continuous traffic.
• B. It is a shared lane for vehicles from both directions to turn left.
• C. It is a lane reserved for buses only.
• D. It is a high-occupancy vehicle lane.

Answer: (B)

The purpose of a two-way left turn lane (shared center lane) is to provide a safe, shared space for vehicles from either direction to queue and complete a left turn. It helps keep the through lanes moving by giving left-turning vehicles a dedicated area to wait for a safe gap in opposing traffic, before turning into side streets or across to the opposite curb. It is not for through driving, and it’s not reserved for buses or high-occupancy vehicles. When you’re approaching an intersection and intend to turn left, you may use this center lane to position yourself for the turn, signaling and yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. If you’re not turning left soon, stay in the regular through lanes and don’t drive in the center lane just to travel faster.

The purpose of a two-way left turn lane (shared center lane) is to provide a safe, shared space for vehicles from either direction to queue and complete a left turn. It helps keep the through lanes moving by giving left-turning vehicles a dedicated area to wait for a safe gap in opposing traffic, before turning into side streets or across to the opposite curb. It is not for through driving, and it’s not reserved for buses or high-occupancy vehicles. When you’re approaching an intersection and intend to turn left, you may use this center lane to position yourself for the turn, signaling and yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. If you’re not turning left soon, stay in the regular through lanes and don’t drive in the center lane just to travel faster.