How to make a left turn when the left-turn lane is under construction?
3 Answers
When the left-turn lane is under construction, you can use the straight lane to make a left turn when the left-turn signal is green and the straight signal is red. Below is extended information about left turns: 1. Precautions: (1) When preparing to make a left turn, you should enter the left-turn lane within the dashed line area of the lane marking. (2) When making a left turn, you should steer the vehicle toward the left side of the road (or the left-turn waiting area) in advance and observe through the rearview mirror or by turning your head. (3) Yield. Vehicles entering the roundabout should yield to vehicles already inside the intersection. 2. Traffic regulations: Article 50 of the "Traffic Safety Implementation Regulations" states: At intersections with marked directional lanes, vehicles must enter the appropriate directional lane based on their intended direction of travel. According to Article 90 of the "Traffic Law", violating this rule constitutes a traffic offense punishable by a 200 yuan fine and 2 penalty points. There may be slight variations across different regions, so please refer to local traffic regulations for specific enforcement standards.
For drivers, left-turn lane construction can be really frustrating. When I encounter this situation, I check road signs in advance—construction zones usually have temporary signs with arrows for guidance, and following them is the safest bet. Sometimes traffic police are on-site directing traffic, and obeying their hand signals makes things easier. If the left-turn lane is completely blocked, you can use the straight lane to turn, but always check if the traffic signal permits it—safety first. If turning isn’t possible, I’ll drive straight to the next intersection and make a U-turn. It’s a detour, but better than being stuck. Rush-hour construction is especially chaotic, so using a navigation app with real-time updates is crucial—it may alert you to congestion or suggest alternate routes. Rolling down the window to listen to traffic radio can also provide construction notices, helping you plan ahead and save time. Always use your turn signal when turning to alert other drivers, avoid cutting lanes, and drive cautiously—construction zones have heavy traffic and complex conditions, so slow and steady is the way to go.
I have a habit of anticipating while driving. When turning left near construction zones, I slow down to observe my surroundings for temporary blue signs with white lettering, and follow the indicated detour as standard procedure. If there are no signs, I follow the road markings or the flow of traffic, but remember that turning from a straight lane is only legal when the light is green. If an intersection is congested, don’t force your way in—it’s wiser to turn on navigation and take an alternate route. I’ve seen people cause scratches by cutting in, leading to even longer delays for repairs. Construction zones often have uneven surfaces, so control your speed to avoid damaging your tires. Before getting on the road, check real-time traffic updates on a map app to bypass construction areas—it’s the easiest solution. If all else fails, go straight, turn right, then right again—an extra turn can still get you to your destination. Stay calm; arriving safely is far more important than saving a few minutes.
