A driver traveling on a multi-lane arterial road notices traffic backed up in the regular travel lanes. Wanting to turn left into a business driveway located 300 feet ahead, the driver enters the center left-turn lane—demarcated by parallel lines consisting of solid yellow outer lines and broken yellow inner lines—and drives the full 300 feet inside this lane to bypass the stopped traffic. Which of the following statements correctly evaluates the legality of this driving maneuver based on pavement marking rules?
- The maneuver is illegal because center left-turn lanes are designated strictly for initiating or completing left turns and cannot be used for traveling long distances or bypassing traffic.Answer
- BThe maneuver is legal because the broken yellow inner line permits drivers to travel in the center lane for up to 500 feet whenever regular lanes are congested.
- CThe maneuver is legal provided the driver signals continuously and yields right-of-way to vehicles coming out of adjacent driveways or approaching intersections.
- DThe maneuver is illegal because drivers are strictly prohibited from crossing any solid yellow line, even when executing a left turn into a private entrance or driveway.
Answer
The maneuver is illegal because center left-turn lanes are designated strictly for initiating or completing left turns and cannot be used for traveling long distances or bypassing traffic.
The correct response highlights that two-way center left-turn lanes (marked by solid outer yellow and broken inner yellow lines) are intended solely for making left turns into or from driveways, alleys, or side streets. Motorists are legally prohibited from using these shared lanes as extended travel lanes or acceleration/passing lanes to bypass traffic congestion.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Two-Way Center Left-Turn Lane Rules and Distance Restrictions