Be aware that a driver turning left must yield the right of way to any cross traffic and to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction. 

How Do You Prepare for a Left Turn?

To prepare for a left turn, check the roadway, choose the correct lane, communicate your intentions by signaling and position your car correctly. Remember to reduce speed before making your turn. 

• Check

Check for traffic signs and signals, and traffic ahead and to the left and right. Be sure no one is about to pass you on your left side.

• Choose the Correct Lane

Signal and move into the correct lane. Stop behind the stop line if there is one and if not imagine the line from the base of the stop sign in front of the car. Keep your wheels straight. 

• Communicate Your Intentions

Always remember to signal your turn 3 to 4 seconds, or at least 150 feet in advance. Flash your brake light by tapping the brake pedal. Use your turn signal. 

• Position the Car

Position your car just to the right of the centerline or, on a one way street, the left curb.

1. How Can You Execute a Left turn?

The steps for executing a left turn depend on the type of street you are in and the type of street you are turning on. 

Turning Left from a Two Way Street onto a Two Way Street

1. Check that there are no vehicles, pedestrians, or other obstacles in your intended path of travel.
2. Find a 9 second gap to your right and a 7 second gap to your left. 
3. Proceed into the intersection until you are about one lane width away from its center.
4. Look through the turn along your intended path of travel. Begin the turn, using hand over hand steering. 
5. Follow the path of travel so that you arrive in the lane just to the right of the centerline. Complete the turn by reversing your steering. Be sure the signal is off. 

Turning Left from a Two Way Street onto a One Way Street

Turning onto a one way street is like turning onto a two way street, except that you enter the lane of traffic closest to the intersection.

Turning Left from a One Way Street onto a One way Street

Making a left turn from one one-way street onto another is similar to making other left turns. However, you will not have to cross a lane of traffic coming toward you. 

Turning Left from a One Way Street onto a Two Way Street 

If you are turning left from a one way street onto a two way   street, position your car in the far left hand lane. Turn into the first lane of traffic going in your direction.