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.
No, the center turn lane is meant for making left turns and should not be used for merging into traffic.
A "Center left turn lane".
No, you should not turn left from the center lane of a three-lane one-way street onto a two-lane one-way street. You should turn from the left lane if you want to turn left onto another street.
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.
right lane
200 ft
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 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
In most states, you can legally travel up to 200 feet in a left turn center lane before merging back into the regular traffic lane.
Only long enough to execute a legal turning maneuver, or merge into traffic.