When to Enter the Left-Turn Waiting Zone When Turning Left?
2 Answers
Left-turn waiting zones can be entered under the following two conditions: 1. When the straight-ahead signal light in the same direction turns green: Left-turning vehicles can enter the left-turn waiting zone to await the turning signal (even if the left-turn light is red at this time); 2. When the left-turn signal light turns green: Vehicles waiting in the waiting zone should promptly pass through the intersection. Additional information is as follows: 1. What is a left-turn waiting zone: It refers to an area designated for "waiting to make a left turn." Roads with left-turn waiting zones are typically one-way roads with three or more lanes, and these zones are set up to improve traffic efficiency. 2. When not to enter: When both the straight-ahead and left-turn signal lights ahead are red, vehicles must not enter the "left-turn waiting zone" and should wait behind the stop line. Otherwise, it constitutes running a red light, which incurs a penalty of 6 points.
When I first started driving, this issue confused me too, but I later understood that the left-turn waiting area is a dedicated zone set up at intersections mainly to alleviate traffic congestion. The correct time to enter the waiting area is when the straight-ahead green light for your lane turns on—slowly drive into the zone and wait. At this point, the cross-traffic light is still red, but you’ve already secured your position, so once the left-turn light turns green, you can make the turn quickly. Don’t enter too early, as you’ll block the straight-ahead lane and risk side collisions; nor should you wait until all lights turn green before moving—that’s inefficient. For safety, check your rearview mirror to confirm the position of vehicles behind you before entering, especially in rainy or low-visibility conditions at night. It took me a few practices to get used to it, but now it feels smooth, and I think this design really helps beginners save time and avoid unnecessary waiting at intersections.
