Left turns look simple, but they’re actually one of the most common places where things can go wrong, especially for new drivers. You’re not just watching one direction of traffic; you’re dealing with multiple moving parts: oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, turn lanes, traffic signals, even road signs telling you what not to do.
And unless you know exactly what to look out for when turning left at an intersection, that one simple turn can turn into a big problem really fast.
Whether you’re a new driver or someone who’s just looking to do it right every time, this guide is written for you.
Step 1: Get in the Left Lane
Let’s say you’re on a two-lane road, both lanes heading in the same direction. You’re not allowed to just turn left from anywhere. If you’re planning to turn left, you’ve got to first make sure you’re in the correct lane for it, which is usually the left lane, unless there’s a clearly marked left-turn-only lane.
Before switching lanes, make sure it’s 100% safe to do so. Use your mirrors, check your blind spots, and don’t cut anyone off just because your turn is coming up in two seconds.
Also, not every lane is okay to turn from. If there is a left-turn-only lane, that’s the lane you’re legally supposed to use.
Step 2: Signal Early, Not Last-Minute
Once you’re in the proper lane, go ahead and use your turn signal. If you’re in Florida, the law requires drivers to signal at least 100 feet before making a turn. That’s about five to six car lengths. If you wait until you’re already halfway through the intersection to flip it on, it’s too late.
If, for whatever reason, your turn signals aren’t working, you can use hand signals, but only if you really know what you’re doing. Most people don’t use those correctly anyway, so your best bet is to make sure your electronic signals are working and use them clearly and early.
Step 3: Stop at the Red Light or Stop Sign
If there’s a red light or a stop sign, you stop. Fully, not a rolling stop, not a slow creep, stop!. And you do it before the crosswalk or limit line. Even if there’s no one coming, even if it’s late at night and the street looks empty, you’re still required to stop. It keeps things predictable for everyone on the road.
Step 4: Wait for the Green Light
If you’re at an intersection with a traffic light, you can’t just assume it’s okay to go as soon as you feel like it. If the light is red, you wait. If the light turns green, but there’s no green arrow, you still have to yield to oncoming traffic. A green light doesn’t mean go blindly. It just means you’re allowed to enter the intersection, but only if it’s safe.
If there is a green arrow pointing left, then yes, that usually means you have the right of way. But even then, you’re not excused from watching for pedestrians or cars that didn’t see the signal.
Step 5: Yield, Even If You Think You Don’t Have To
Even with a green light, you still have to yield to oncoming traffic if you’re making a left turn. That green light is not a free pass. It just means you’re allowed to turn if there’s no danger.
But if you get a green left arrow, that usually means you’ve got the go-ahead to move safely, because oncoming traffic should have a red. Even then, check your surroundings. A distracted pedestrian or someone running a red light can still pop up out of nowhere.
Step 6: Make the Turn The Right Way
Once everything checks out – no oncoming cars, no pedestrians, green arrow if you’ve got one, go ahead and turn. But don’t rush it. Ease into the intersection, and swing the turn slowly toward the center of the lane you’re aiming for.
Some states, like Alabama, Florida, and North Carolina, are very specific about this. You’re not allowed to swing wide into the right lane after a left turn. You have to stay in the left lane of the road you’re turning onto. Other states, like California and Texas, are more flexible and let you enter whichever lane is open and safe.
So, know your state’s rules. Check your driver’s handbook. One wrong lane, and you could be doing something technically illegal, even if it feels like no big deal.
Quick Recap
- Always turn from the correct lane (usually the far-left or a left-turn-only lane).
- Signal 100 feet before turning, no less.
- Slow down early, not once you’re already mid-turn.
- Stop fully at red lights or stop signs, and stop before the crosswalk.
- Only turn on green if it’s safe, not just because it’s green.
- Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, even on a green.
- Complete the turn into the correct lane, depending on your state’s law.
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