California Vehicle Code (CVC) makes it clear that two-way center turn lanes should only be used for turning left. They are not to be used to pass a slow driver.
They can only be used for a moment by cars pulling onto a highway and merging with the flow of traffic.
Drivers who use two-way center lanes illegally and are involved in accidents would usually be held liable for a collision. Breaking this vehicle code can be used as strong evidence of fault.
(c) A vehicle shall not be driven in a designated two-way left-turn lane except when preparing for or making a left turn from or into a highway or when preparing for or making a U-turn when otherwise permitted by law, and shall not be driven in that lane for more than 200 feet while preparing for and making the turn or while preparing to merge into the adjacent lanes of travel. A left turn or U-turn shall not be made from any other lane where a two-way left-turn lane has been designated.
The Proper Use for California Center Turn Lanes
Center turn lanes in California would usually be identified as lanes between two directions of traffic, lined on both sides with a solid line and a dotted line. They may have left-turn arrows painted on the lane pointing in both directions.
In California, drivers going in either direction can use these lanes. But motorists usually need to stay out of these lanes unless they are making a left-hand turn.
There are a few other situations where using a center turn lane would be legal:
- To make a left turn onto another street or into a driveway
- To enter after making a left turn out of a driveway or side street, but only using the lane briefly while merging
- To make a legal U-Turn
- To cross the center lane to enter a side street on the other side
- To
There are a few things to remember in the proper use of a center lane:
- You cannot use the center lane to pass a vehicle.
- You cannot enter the lane early to make a left turn, and you shouldn’t travel more than 200 feet in the lane
- You cannot enter the lane from a side street and travel in the lane for more than 200 feet while trying to merge
- The center lane should not be thought of as an extra traffic lane and as a shortcut
See: How double yellow and double white lines should be treated on California roads.
Determining Fault After an Accident in the Turning Lane
If motorists are hit with an infraction for entering a turning lane, they can have to pay a fine and possibly receive a point on their license. They can also be found at fault in an accident that was caused.
The fact that the driver utilized a center lane in an illegal manner, leading to a collision, can lead to them facing liability for what happened. In essence, simply ignoring CVC 21460.5 can expose drivers to financial responsibility under a legal concept known as “negligence per se.”
Since investigators know the motorist broke the law, it’s easier to assign them blame. Victims may not need to provide much more evidence to win damages.
Victims can seek these and other damages from at-fault drivers and their car insurance providers.
- All medical bills paid
- All replacement of lost income while the victim can’t work
- The pain and emotional trauma the victim has endured and may continue to have to cope with
- Money to fix a car back to working order or money for a replacement vehicle
A skilled California Car Accident Lawyer would fully investigate your accident and use the evidence to pressure auto insurers. They would have a much harder time denying blame. Your attorney would fight to win you a complete settlement so you can recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
See: Other California laws that may determine who is responsible for an accident.
Should I Have a Lawyer for My Case?
If you only suffer minor injuries and/or only car damage, you may be fine handling your case yourself.
But if a driver’s mistake in the center lane leaves you with a serious injury, like a broken bone, it’s a good idea to have a lawyer handle your claim. When medical bills build up, car insurance companies will fight you even harder to avoid taking the blame.
Maison Law offers a free case consultation with a real lawyer. Contact us as soon as possible.
If you do need our help, you don’t have to worry about how to afford a lawyer. We don’t get paid unless we win your case, and then our fee comes out of the settlement you earn.