Only long enough to execute a legal turning maneuver, or merge into traffic.
You have 200 ft in CA to travel on it
200 ft
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.
200 feet
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.
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.
right lane
If it is a shared TRAVEL lane - the threat is oncoming traffic coming right at you head on. If it is a shared TURN lane, you must be cautious that someone from the opposite lane of travel doesn't suddenly decide to turn left at the same you want to turn left, and you wind up sharing the same portion of the lane.
It's wrong everywhere. Once you're in a turn lane, you're supposed to be cmitted to that turn, which is why the line between you and the lane of travel is solid.