What does the left-turn waiting area mean?
2 Answers
The left-turn waiting area refers to the designated zone where vehicles wait to make a left turn. The range of the left-turn waiting area extends from the original vehicle stop line to the center of the road, with the end slightly curved. Roads implementing left-turn waiting areas are typically one-way roads with three or more lanes. Here is additional information: 1. When both the straight and left-turn signals are red: When both the straight and left-turn signals are red, left-turning vehicles are prohibited from entering the waiting area and should queue behind the stop line until the signal changes. 2. When the straight signal in the same direction turns green: When the straight signal in the same direction turns green (while the left-turn signal remains red), left-turning vehicles should enter the waiting area in order and wait to turn left. When the left-turn signal subsequently turns green, vehicles in the waiting area should proceed to turn left through the intersection in sequence. 3. When the left-turn signal is red (or yellow): When the left-turn signal is red (or yellow), left-turning vehicles that have not yet entered the waiting area should stop behind the stop line and wait, without entering the waiting area. Vehicles already in the waiting area should continue to turn left through the intersection without stopping inside the intersection, ensuring smooth traffic flow.
Last week while driving in the city, I encountered a left-turn waiting area, which is essentially an additional white box marked at traffic light intersections. When the straight-through light turns green, left-turning vehicles can enter this waiting zone in advance to queue up. This way, when the left-turn light turns green, they can make the turn in one go, saving the time of stopping and starting again. I noticed this design is particularly effective during rush hours - originally only 5-6 cars could pass per green light, but now about 10 can pass. However, it's crucial to pay attention to the traffic signals: vehicles can only enter the waiting area when the straight-through light is green. Entering during a red straight-through light would be a traffic violation. Also, before entering the waiting area, make sure all oncoming straight-moving vehicles have come to a complete stop - safety always comes first. Many newly built intersections now feature this design, and it genuinely seems to improve the overall traffic capacity of the intersection.
