What does the left turn waiting area mean?

[LucasMarie]

"Left turn waiting area" refers to the zone where vehicles in the left-turn lane must advance when the straight-through signal in the same direction turns green, waiting for the signal to change before making the turn. The left-turn lane is extended with several meters of white dashed lines, directly connecting to the middle of the road. These white dashed lines mark the "left turn waiting area". Here is additional information: 1. Precautions: The "left turn waiting area" is exclusively for left-turning vehicles. When the straight-through signal in the same direction is green, even if the left-turn signal is red, left-turning vehicles are allowed to enter the "left turn waiting area" at the intersection and wait until the left-turn signal turns green before proceeding. It is important to remind drivers that the left-turn waiting line is not a "stop line". If both the straight-through and left-turn signals are red, all vehicles must wait behind the original stop line. By allowing several more vehicles to pass during each signal cycle, the "left turn waiting area" is specifically set up at intersections with relatively wide roads and multi-phase traffic signals. 2. Details: The left-turn waiting area extends several meters. According to China's road width standards, urban arterial roads have a width of 3.5 meters per lane. Roads implementing the "left turn waiting area" are generally one-way roads with three or more lanes. Based on each traffic signal cycle, it is estimated that 3 or 4 additional vehicles can pass per cycle, amounting to approximately 100 vehicles per hour. This measure will effectively increase the traffic flow at intersections and reduce vehicle congestion.

[OJohn]

The left-turn waiting area is a designated space at intersections specifically for vehicles intending to make a left turn to wait in advance. I often encountered this design when driving. When the straight-through signal turns green, left-turning vehicles can slowly proceed into this area within the intersection and wait, even if the signal ahead is still red—it's fine, you can stop there and stay ready. Once the actual left-turn signal turns green, you can immediately steer and glide through, saving the time you'd otherwise spend queuing behind the stop line. This setup is particularly common in big cities like Beijing's Third Ring Road or downtown Shanghai, primarily aimed at easing peak-hour congestion and making left turns smoother. From my own experience, it offers several benefits, the most obvious being the reduction of stress from being honked at or having to brake suddenly due to straight-moving traffic, making driving much more relaxed. However, beginners might sometimes hesitate to enter or miss the markings, so it's advisable to pay more attention to the arrow markings on the road and signal prompts—once you get used to it, it becomes easy to handle.

[LaNora]

As a daily commuter stuck in city traffic, the left-turn waiting area is one of my lifesavers. Essentially, it's a small designated zone at intersections that allows left-turning vehicles to advance and wait during red lights. For example, at a large intersection when the straight-through light turns green while others proceed straight, you can move into this specific position and prepare to turn left. Once the light changes, you can make your turn immediately. This design is incredibly practical, especially during heavy traffic, as it significantly reduces waiting time and prevents impatient honking from vehicles behind. I've seen this implemented at intersections in many cities, and it feels like a smart efficiency-boosting solution by traffic authorities. However, remember to time it right—never rush when pedestrians are crossing, as safety comes first. Also, not all intersections have this feature, so look for road markings or signs. Once you get familiar with it, it becomes quite convenient.

[VanAurora]

The left-turn waiting area is a special road feature designed to allow left-turning vehicles to enter and wait in advance when the traffic signal isn't fully green. While driving, I've noticed it's typically located near the center of intersections, marked by solid white lines on the road. When the straight-through signal turns green, left-turning vehicles can move into this zone and wait there even if the left-turn signal remains red. Once the light changes, you can proceed directly with your turn, reducing the risk of getting stuck in traffic flow. This helps improve traffic efficiency and is commonly seen in urban areas with heavy congestion. It's user-friendly for beginners but requires careful attention to signals for safety.