Why is the left-turn lane on the far right?

[RiverMarie]

The left-turn lane is placed on the far right most commonly due to insufficient turning radius. Since traditional left-turn lanes are located on the innermost side, this can lead to buses or large vehicles lacking enough turning radius to smoothly navigate the intersection. To prevent road congestion and reduce safety hazards, the left-turn lane is set on the right side to increase the turning radius, ensuring smooth turning and U-turns for vehicles. Information about yellow dashed lines: 1. Introduction: Yellow dashed lines allow for lane borrowing for overtaking or U-turns when it is safe to do so. Additional information: Traffic markings consist of various lines, arrows, text, raised pavement markers, and delineators painted on the road surface, serving as traffic safety facilities. 2. Function: Yellow dashed lines, like solid yellow lines, are used to separate lanes of opposing traffic directions.

[TheoLynn]

I've seen this design in many old urban areas, and it's actually quite well thought out. When two roads intersect diagonally at an acute angle, placing the left-turn lane on the right side can be safer. For instance, when a left turn requires crossing multiple straight lanes, this arrangement prevents conflicts between turning vehicles and straight-moving traffic. I encountered this at an intersection near a school last time—during dismissal hours with massive traffic flow, this design separates left-turning vehicles early like right-turning ones, effectively easing congestion. Of course, it might confuse drivers unfamiliar with the road conditions, so it's advisable to check navigation prompts in advance. Road arrows and traffic signals usually provide clear markings for such situations.

[VonAndres]

The most ingenious design I've encountered in twenty years of driving is this one. It seems counterintuitive but is actually very clever. When a main road intersects with a side road at an angle, a conventional left turn requires crossing four or five lanes consecutively, which is particularly dangerous. The designer simply allows left-turning vehicles to merge from the far right like right-turning vehicles, with a larger turning radius. Last month, I witnessed at the entrance of a logistics park how much easier it was for those large trucks to turn at such intersections. However, be sure to slow down in rainy weather, as the ground markings, polished shiny by tires, can easily cause skidding. Beginners are advised to avoid peak hours and practice a few times first.

[DiFaith]

My urban planner friend explained the design logic to me. When the road angle is less than 70 degrees, traditional left turns require abrupt lane changes, causing accident rates to soar. Moving the left-turn lane to the right creates a buffer zone and prevents blocking the straight-through bus lane. Yesterday, while dropping my child off at school, I saw traffic police directing the flow, saving at least ten minutes during the morning rush hour. Although it might feel strange at first, getting used to it reveals better visibility, especially benefiting vehicles with large A-pillar blind spots.

[VioletDella]

As a commuter who passes through such intersections every day, I deeply relate to this. The rightmost left-turn lane is usually coordinated with a dedicated traffic signal, for instance, allowing left-turning vehicles to proceed first before straight-moving traffic. This setup is particularly common at six-lane intersections connecting to highway ramps, preventing left-turning vehicles from queuing in the middle and blocking straight traffic. Last week, a construction zone was temporarily adjusted this way, and I took a photo with my phone to show my driving instructor. He said such cases should be added to the curriculum for the third driving test. Remember to activate your turn signal earlier than usual for a standard left turn, giving following vehicles ample time to react.