What is the proper way to use a left-turn waiting area?
2 Answers
According to the rules of the left-turn waiting area, when the straight-through traffic light is green and the left-turn signal is still red, left-turning vehicles must also cross the pedestrian crosswalk and enter the left-turn waiting area. They should wait until the left-turn signal turns green before making the turn. This is the proper way to use a left-turn waiting area. The functions of the left-turn waiting area are as follows: The primary benefit of setting up a left-turn waiting area is to increase the capacity of left-turn lanes at intersections, reduce the waiting time for drivers passing through the intersection, and improve the intersection's traffic efficiency. However, drivers should be reminded 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 at the previous stop line.
I think when it comes to left-turn waiting zones while driving, the key is to master the timing and rhythm. When the straight-through light turns green, you should decisively move forward into the waiting zone without hesitation, avoiding blocking the middle of the road and affecting vehicles behind. However, once inside, you must immediately stop at the stop line of the waiting zone, as the left-turn light is usually still red at this point, requiring you to wait patiently. Once the left-turn light turns green, seize the moment to make your turn, allowing more queued vehicles behind to pass through. One crucial detail: never rush into the waiting zone on a yellow light, and don’t encroach on the straight-through lane space. I’ve seen some novice drivers too afraid of violating traffic rules to enter the waiting zone, ending up blocking a dozen cars behind. Just remember the simple rule: 'Enter on straight green, exit on left-turn green.'
