Central turning lanes are intended for making which kind of turns?

• A. Right turns only
• B. Left turns from either direction
• C. Through movements
• D. U-turns only

Answer: (B)

Central turning lanes are a shared space between opposing traffic that’s specifically for making left turns. They give drivers from either direction a place to wait out of the through lanes, so left-turning vehicles can complete the turn without blocking oncoming or continuing traffic. After the turn, you merge back into the main flow.

This lane isn’t meant for right turns, straight-through (through movements), or U-turns. Right turns use the curb lane or the designated turn area, through movements stay in the through lanes, and U-turns are typically restricted to specific locations. So the central turning lane is best for left turns from either direction.