...aimed straight forward; not turned.
Straight because if someone comes from behind you and hits you, you just go forward not left into other cars while traffics going by.
If you're in the intersection and it is green then turns to yellow/red, it is fine to go. Entering the intersection after it is already yellow is unlawful driving. GA
You can pull halfway into an intersection after making a full stop to make a left turn. However, your light must be green and you must be waiting to turn.
You should always look for a yield sign, or oncoming traffic.
When turning left with traffic moving in both directions, you should position your vehicle in the leftmost lane or the designated left turn lane, keeping your wheels straight while waiting for a safe gap in oncoming traffic. Ensure that you signal your intention to turn left and yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. Once it is safe, proceed with the turn, checking for any hazards before entering the intersection.
Before entering an intersection, the safest searching process involves scanning the intersection in all directions: left, right, and then left again. This ensures that you are aware of any oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. Additionally, it's important to check for traffic signals and signs, as well as any potential hazards in your path. Always be prepared to stop if necessary.
When a motorist is turning left and a bicycle is entering the intersection from the opposite direction, the motorist should yield the right-of-way to the bicyclist. It's important for the driver to ensure the intersection is clear and to check for oncoming traffic, including bicycles, before making the turn. Safety is paramount, so the motorist should proceed only when it is safe to do so.
You complete the turn when it is safe to do so.
Before entering an intersection, the safest searching process involves a systematic approach called the "see, think, do" method. First, look left, right, and then left again to ensure that the intersection is clear of oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists. Additionally, be aware of any traffic signals or signs that might affect your right of way. Finally, anticipate the actions of other road users to make informed and cautious decisions before proceeding.
If you reach an uncontrolled intersection at close to the same time, the vehicle who actually reached the intersection last is the driver who must yield the right of way. If you reach the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left should yield the right of way.
You didn't say WHERE you were waiting, so I have to provide you with TWO answers: 1) If you were waiting behind the limit line, the light turned red, and 7 seconds later you made a left turn, you've made an illegal turn. 2) If you were waiting beyond the limit line, with so much as your bumper hanging over the limit line, but ideally, with your vehicle at least 1/4 of the way into the intersection or more, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY against traffic that is running perpendicular to you no matter how long it takes the oncoming traffic to clear the intersection so that you can complete your left turn and clear the intersection. It doesn't matter how long your light has been red, you OWN that space until you can complete the turn. That is the law in most states, to the best of my knowledge. -- Do not confuse this "LEFT TURN YIELD ON GREEN" situation with blocking the intersection when your intent is to go straight ahead. If the traffic in front of you is so congested that you can not clear the intersection quickly, then you should never have entered the intersection in the first place. -- Do not confuse this "LEFT TURN YIELD ON GREEN" situation with a sign that reads "LEFT TURN ON GREEN ARROW ONLY". The majority of drivers in my state do not understand the difference between these two signs.