The center turn lane is for turning left only. It is NOT used for passing, merging, making right turns, or for traveling more than 50 feet before turning left. It was primarily designed to get out of the traveling lane when making a left turn consequently, not stopping traffic. Some states it is unlawful to pass a car, that is on the right, when you are in the center lane.
When not being used as a reversible lane, you may pull into it in order to clear your lane of traffic when making a left-turn across opposing ttraffic.
On a two lane road with a center lane, the center lane is used for left turns going either direction. If on a 4 lane road with a center divider then the left lane is where you should be, unless there is a left turn pocket at the intersection. If on a two lane road with no center lane then you execute the left turn from the forward travel lane that you are in. In all cases be certain to use your turn indicators to let those following you know of your intentions.
In Arizona, the center lane can be used for turning. It is important to be aware that people can move into the center lane in either direction.
The center lane is a lane that is commonly seen in cities. I have seen it outside of cities too. This lane is used by both directions of travel for that highway. When you enter this lane you should have 2 solid yellow lines with a dotted yellow line facing the inside of the lane on both sides of your car. There is also 2 left turn painted white arrows opposing each other. The center lane is not a travel lane, thus is cannot be used to pass another vehicle. This lane is also not a divide for the highway, the highway is still undivided.
A "Center left turn lane".
right lane
A shared left turning lane is a lane found in the center of a two-way road that is used exclusively for left turn movements and may be used by vehicles traveling either direction down the roadway. It is NOT a traffic lane nor should it be used for passing.
A shared left turning lane is a lane found in the center of a two-way road that is used exclusively for left turn movements and may be used by vehicles traveling either direction down the roadway. It is NOT a traffic lane nor should it be used for passing.
200 ft
When making a left turn across opposing traffic you may pull into the center/turn lane to clear yourself out of traffic, until the turn can be made with safety. HOWEVER, it is not meant to be travelled in for more than a certain number of feet (distance may vary by state law) before making the actual turn.
You have 200 ft in CA to travel on it
2 feet