Turns on California roads can be the most dangerous part of trips, whether it’s your own turn or someone else’s. Mistakes while preparing for a turn, or making one, cause many collisions.
California Vehicle Code (CVC) gets very specific about where cars should be in the lane when making right- and left-hand turns. They also instruct on how a turn should be safely completed.
Except as provided in Section 22100.5 or 22101, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn upon a highway shall do so as follows:
(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.
Right-Hand Turns by California Law
CVC indicates that drivers preparing for a right-hand turn should take a few precautions and actions.
The lead-up to the turn and the turn should be accomplished keeping the vehicle as close to the right-hand curb or edge of roadway as possible…except under these circumstances:
- When a highway has three marked lanes going in the same direction and ends at another highway (a T-junction), the driver in the middle lane can turn right from a lane that is marked for turning.
- If the driver is on a one-way highway and at an intersection, they should approach the turn as indicated in the above vehicle code, but then can turn onto any lane lawfully available.
- On a highway with multiple lanes marked for a right turn, drivers can turn from any of the lanes marked appropriately.
Returning to the notion of remaining as close to the right curb or right road edge as possible, this is intended to stop drivers from veering left when making a right turn. In essence, making an unreasonably wide right turn isn’t permitted and could cause an accident.
Left Turns on California Streets
Those turning right should keep to the right of the lane, and drivers prepping for a left-hand turn should remain as far left in their lane as possible.
The Vehicle Code also asks that drivers not begin making their turn until they’ve entered the intersection.
(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.
At a T-Intersection: Drivers on a three-lane highway that ends at another highway can turn left from the middle lane if the lane is legally designated for a turn.
Do I Have to Give a Turn Signal Before a Turn?
Yes, before making a right or left turn, you must use your blinker.
CVC 22108 makes it a requirement to signal continuously for 100 feet before making a right or left turn.
So, turning drivers must signal their turn and remain in the correct spot in the lane for a turn.
They can face a citation involving a fine and a point on their license if stopped for the violation. Drivers could also be held liable in an accident caused during a turn based on their failure to follow these codes.
How Do I Know If I Need a Lawyer After a California Accident?
If you are seriously hurt by a driver making an improper turn, it’s a good idea to talk over your case with a skilled California car accident lawyer.
Maison Law offers a free case consultation to all injured California accident victims. It’s confidential, and it comes with no obligation.
With a more serious injury, you’ll need much more support to pay for recovery. That means higher bills and more time missed at work. The building expenses can mean car insurance companies will fight you harder on accepting blame. They may even try to blame you for the accident. A lawyer helps you protect your case and demand more for your recovery.
What Does Legal Representation Cost? We know that after a scary accident, you may not be able to pay a lawyer. It’s why Maison Law works on a contingency basis. We begin work with no upfront costs. We are only paid if we win your case for you. Then, our attorney’s fee comes out of the settlement you receive from a car insurance company.