What is a shared left-turn lane used for?

• A. A center lane used by traffic in both directions to make left turns; do not drive in it for through travel
• B. A lane reserved for emergency vehicles
• C. A bicycle lane
• D. A high-speed passing lane

Answer: (A)

A shared left-turn lane is a center lane that both directions can use to make left turns. It helps reduce delays by giving turning vehicles their own space before crossing the opposite lanes of traffic, instead of holding up through traffic in the through lanes. When you’re driving, you may enter this lane only if you’re preparing to turn left onto the cross street, then you complete the turn and merge back into the proper lane. It’s not meant for through travel, emergency vehicles, bicycles, or high-speed passing. Pavement markings and signs show that this lane is for left turns only from either direction.