What is the difference between a left turn and a left turn waiting gesture?
2 Answers
The differences between a left turn and a left turn waiting gesture are as follows: 1. Different gestures: A left turn is signaled by extending the right hand forward with the palm facing outward, while the left hand moves from the outside of the left leg to about 45° in front of the body; a left turn waiting gesture involves only the left hand, which is raised on the left side of the body and then brought back towards the body. 2. Different indications: (1) Left turn signal indication: The gesture indicates that vehicles are permitted to make a left turn and may also make a U-turn if it does not interfere with the passage of other vehicles. (2) Left turn waiting signal indication: The gesture indicates that vehicles on the left side of the intersection are permitted to enter the intersection and proceed towards the center of the intersection in the direction of the left turn, waiting for the left turn signal.
I remember my driving instructor particularly emphasized the difference between these two hand signals. The left turn signal is when the traffic officer faces you directly and extends their left arm horizontally to the left, indicating you can make a left turn now—just drive straight through. The waiting-to-turn signal is different; the officer will stand sideways to you and wave their left hand in front to motion the car forward, instructing you to enter the intersection's waiting area. Simply put, one is an immediate action, and the other is a preparatory move. Beginners often confuse them, but the waiting area is actually designed by traffic officers to improve traffic efficiency. When the straight-through light turns green, you can enter the waiting area in advance to wait for the left-turn green light, allowing three or four more cars to pass each cycle. When encountering this signal, don’t hesitate—drive into the waiting area and stop before the crosswalk. This ensures both safety and doesn’t block pedestrians crossing the street.
