Making Turns in California | Navigating the Curves

Defensive Driving |

Navigating turns in California requires a combination of following traffic rules and exercising caution. Understanding when and how to make turns is crucial for safe and responsible driving. Always be aware of your surroundings, obey traffic signals and signs, and yield to pedestrians and other vehicles when necessary. By adhering to these guidelines, you can navigate turns with confidence and contribute to safer roadways in the Golden State.

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Making Right Turns

Right turns are among the most straightforward maneuvers. In California, you can make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop, provided it is safe to do so. Always yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. At a green light, you can make a right turn without stopping unless a sign indicates otherwise.

Right Turns at Red Lights

Making a right turn at a red light is permitted after a complete stop, provided it is safe to proceed. Always yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Making Left Turns

Making a left turn is a bit more complex. Typically, you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians when making a left turn. At a green light, ensure there is no oncoming traffic or pedestrians still in the intersection. At a red light, left turns are allowed only when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street.

Left Turns Yield to Oncoming Traffic

At intersections without dedicated turn signals, left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before making the turn.

Left Turns on Red from a One-Way Street

When driving on a one-way street and facing a red light while intending to turn left onto another one-way street, you can make the turn after a full stop and ensuring it is safe.

Protected Turns

Protected turns are signaled by green arrows in traffic lights. These arrows indicate that you have the right of way to make the indicated turn, and oncoming traffic must yield. Make your turn only when the green arrow is displayed.

Unprotected Turns

When facing a solid green light without a green arrow, you can make the corresponding turn if it is safe to do so. However, yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.

Making U-Turns

U-turns are generally permitted in California unless posted otherwise. However, you cannot make U-turns in business districts, where visibility is less than 200 feet in both directions, or near curves or hills that limit visibility. Always watch for posted signs and exercise caution when making U-turns.

Pedestrian Crosswalks

Exercise extra caution at pedestrian crosswalks. Whether you’re making a left or right turn, always yield to pedestrians and respect their right of way.

Bicycle Lanes

Be aware of designated bicycle lanes and avoid turning from these lanes unless it is safe and necessary. Always yield to cyclists.

Mastering the art of turns on California roads is an essential skill for every driver. By understanding the rules, exercising caution, and respecting the rights of pedestrians and cyclists, you can navigate turns with confidence and contribute to safer roadways in the Golden State. Remember to stay attentive, follow traffic signals and signs, and always prioritize safety when making turns. Safe travels on California’s diverse and vibrant roads!