Can You Make a Left Turn on a Service Road?
2 Answers
Left turns are not permitted on service roads. Roads where left turns are prohibited: Motor vehicles are not allowed to make U-turns or left turns at locations with no U-turn or no left turn signs/markings, as well as at railway crossings, crosswalks, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, tunnels, or other hazardous sections. U-turns are also prohibited when the centerline is a solid line. If there are no prohibitive signs or markings, U-turns are generally allowed unless the centerline is solid (whether single or double yellow lines). Some roads have alternating solid and dashed yellow centerlines—solid lines prohibit overtaking and U-turns, while dashed lines permit them. Roads where left turns are permitted: Motor vehicles may make U-turns or left turns at locations without prohibitive signs or markings, provided they do not obstruct the normal flow of other vehicles or pedestrians.
With decades of driving experience, I've often encountered the question of whether left turns are permitted on auxiliary roads. Generally, you should first check the roadside traffic signs. If there's a sign saying 'Left Turn Permitted' or a left-turn arrow indicator, then it's absolutely allowed. However, you need to be cautious in areas without signs, as many cities prohibit left turns to ensure smooth traffic flow on main roads. When driving in urban areas, I often come across dedicated left-turn lanes with signal controls—you can only turn when the green light is on. In rural areas, though, it's different. Without signals, you must yield to oncoming straight-moving vehicles; otherwise, it's a violation. For safety, always remind yourself to check for oncoming traffic and blind spots before making a left turn, especially at night or in rainy or foggy conditions—acting hastily is extremely dangerous. It's also crucial to stay updated on new traffic regulations, as policies vary by region. For example, a certain city recently added electronic monitoring points to catch illegal left turns. In short, make it a habit to check the signs before acting—don't rely on luck when turning.
