Is it legal to make left turn across the oncoming traffic and block the traffic when no left turn lane?

seattlesailor2000

no

the key to your question is the words BLOCK THE TRAFFIC. unless otherwise prohibited by signs or road markings it is legal to turn left when it is clear to do so, after yielding to all oncoming traffic. if you fail to yield the right of way and cause an accident then you are at fault. you can also get a ticket for failure to yield.

the same is true with a left turn lane, you still have to yield to all traffic moving in the opposite direction.

Russ B

Block the traffic behind you, that is traveling in the same direction. Yes, it is legal if there is no left turn lane, since you have no other choice. Just make sure that MAKING THE LEFT TURN there is legal.

KEK Inc.

I think I know what you mean. So, you're trying to turn left from a major road to a house, business, private road, etc. and there's no designated left turn lane for that spur? And when you mean "blocking traffic", I assume you mean the traffic behind you, if you're on a one way (each direction) road?

If that's the case, then yes, you can turn left and yield to oncoming traffic if you're making a left turn from the road to a side street, house or business. If there's traffic behind you, they may have to slow down and stop until you make the turn, but that's perfectly fine. If you're blocking an intersection and perpendicular traffic, then it's illegal.

Before you make the turn, make sure you're towards the left of the lane (obviously, not in the oncoming traffic's lane) and signal way in advance. Never brake abruptly.

Remember, if there's two sets of double-yellows (so 4 solid yellow lines), then you can't turn left. (It's perfectly legal to turn left on a normal double-yellow or passing zone.)

eric

From your question, I'm assuming someone is pulling out/turning left out of a business or side road onto a main road with 2 lanes in each direction and no center turn lane? If this is the case, then it is illegal to block traffic. But without a center turn lane, turning left can be hard. It might be better to turn right and then turn around.