Helpful Driving Information

USING TURN OR HAND SIGNALS

HAND SIGNAL FOR LEFT TURN

USING TURN OR HAND SIGNALS

HAND SIGNAL FOR RIGHT TURN

USING TURN OR HAND SIGNALS

HAND SIGNAL FOR SLOW or STOP

TIPS ON MAKING TURNS

• Make up your mind about your turn before you get to the turning point. Never make last-minute moves.
• Reduce speed as you approach the intersection.
• Move into the correct lane before you near the intersection. If you must change lanes, look behind and to both sides to see where other vehicles are located before making your turn.
• Give a turn signal to show your intention.

MAKING RIGHT AND LEFT TURNS
Right Turn

• As you prepare to turn, reduce speed and stay as far to the right as possible. Begin the turn in the lane nearest to the right-hand curb and end the turn in the lane nearest the right-hand curb.
• Give turn signal.
• Yield to pedestrians who may be crossing your path. Scan for any bicyclist in your path.
• Avoid making wide, sweeping turns in the other lane.

MAKING RIGHT AND LEFT TURNS
Right Turn

• Turn on the left turn signal before you make the turn and slow down.
• Look both ways and make sure that the oncoming lanes are clear.
• Make the turn from the designated lane (use left lane).
• Do not enter into the right lane. In some states it is illegal to enter the right lane after the turn is completed.
  

MAKING RIGHT AND LEFT TURNS

The graphic shows which lanes are used by cars turning from a two-way street onto a one-way street and from a one-way street to a two-way street.
After coming to a complete stop, you may make a turn onto a one-way street from another two-way street (unless otherwise indicated).

MAKING RIGHT AND LEFT TURNS

Here is an example of making turns in California and Texas. Notice that the driver may complete the turn in any lane open to traffic, if it is safe to do so as shown by arrows.

Signal and stop for a red traffic light before the stop line (or limit line), if there is one, or before entering the intersection. If there is no sign that prohibits a right turn on the red light, you may turn right. Be careful that you do not interfere with pedestrians, bicyclists, or vehicles moving on their green light. Note that a right turn on red light is prohibited by law in New York City.

LEFT TURN LANE

If a street has a left turn lane, you must use it when you turn left. To turn left from the street, signal and drive completely inside the turn lane. Don't stop halfway into the lane with the back of your vehicle blocking traffic. Turn only when it is safe.

LEFT TURN LANE

You may drive across a center left turn lane.

LEFT TURN LANE

Cars C and D have to make the left turns from the center left turn lane. Car C moves to the center left turn lane from the right. It has to watch for oncoming traffic while turning left. Car D moves to the center left turn lane from the corner and has to watch for cross traffic when it comes to that lane. When it completes its left turn it has to watch for oncoming traffic. Car E is making a right turn at a corner with a bike lane. It has to watch for bicycles and pedestrians.

MAKING U-TURNS

When making a U-turn, start the turn from the far left lane on your side. Give a left turn signal. Then, stop and check for oncoming traffic, bicycles, and pedestrians that may be entering the intersection. Complete the U-turn in the right lane traveling in the opposite direction.

MAKING U-TURNS

U-turns are not legal everywhere. So before you make a U-turn, check for signs prohibiting them. In some places, U-turns are only allowed at intersections.

MAKING U-TURNS

U-turns are not allowed:

• Anytime a traffic sign (e.g., a No U-Turn sign) prohibits them;
• On curves, hills, and freeways;
• In weather conditions where you are not able to see clearly, such as in rain, fog.