Turn Lane Violations CVC § 22100
Making either right-hand or left-hand turns at an intersection can sometimes be tricky depending on the number of lanes a road has or the way the lanes are marked.
It is important to pay attention to markings on the roadway or posted signs for proper direction.
California Vehicle Code states:
(a) Right Turns. Both the approach for a right-hand turn and a right-hand turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except:
(1) Upon a highway having three marked lanes for traffic moving in one direction that terminates at an intersecting highway accommodating traffic in both directions, the driver of a vehicle in the middle lane may turn right into any lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered.
(2) If a right-hand turn is made from a one-way highway at an intersection, a driver shall approach the turn as provided in this subdivision and shall complete the turn in any lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered.
(3) Upon a highway having an additional lane or lanes marked for a right turn by appropriate signs or markings, the driver of a vehicle may turn right from any lane designated and marked for that turning movement.
(b) Left Turns. The approach for a left turn shall be made as close as practicable to the left-hand edge of the extreme left-hand lane or portion of the roadway lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of the vehicle and, when turning at an intersection, the left turn shall not be made before entering the intersection. After entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection in a lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered, except that upon a highway having three marked lanes for traffic moving in one direction that terminates at an intersecting highway accommodating traffic in both directions, the driver of a vehicle in the middle lane may turn left into any lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered.
Some common questions asked by drivers
- If there are three lanes of travel do you have to turn from the far right-hand lane or left-hand lane?
- Is it legal to turn from the center lane? If you need to make a left-hand turn, should you enter the intersection if there is oncoming traffic so you can complete the turn as soon as traffic has cleared?
- If you are in the center lane of a three-lane road and the turn you are making is onto a one-way street, do you need to be in lane farthest to the side you are turning, or is it okay to turn from the center lane?
Answer to all of these questions is dependent on the roadway of travel; that is why it is important to always pay attention to the roadway markings and posted signs.
Cities are required to maintain signs and notify drivers of restrictive vehicle moments, such as “right turn only lane”.
Crossing Multiple Lanes at Once
Driving in California can be hectic, the roadways are congested and often have multiple lanes to navigate. When driving on an active roadway it can be difficult to navigate all the lanes efficiently.
Oftentimes, the desired exit arises quicker than one anticipates, and a driver is forced to take sudden action. Be careful when crossing multiple lanes at one time. A good rule of thumb is, only cross one lane at a time. Changing lanes with caution decreases collisions and it is respectful of your fellow drivers.
Merging multiple lanes at once is not only dangerous but avoidable with a little bit of preparation. If the exit cannot be navigated safely it is best to pass the desired exit and safely merge over to the next closest available exit. This procedure can be annoying but the few minutes it takes to skip the exit is well worth its value in safety.
Ultimately safety is the most important factor when traveling on the roadway.
Executing Turns in California
Making turns can be more complicated than you really thought, and California Vehicle Code 22100 governs the basic laws pertaining to the above questions.
If an officer cites you for committing an improper turn, your driving record and insurance rates can be at risk. Just one wrong turn can add a point to your driving record and result in a minimum fine of $237.
Cited for an unsafe turn? Reach out to our team to discuss your situation, we have assisted with turn lane violations and can provide you with available options. We offer a free citation review to learn more about your case.