Is it legal to turn left at a red light from a two way road to a one-way road?
Asked by
skfinkel (
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December 27th, 2006
We were going to do this, but had a difference of opinion as to the legality. We are in Washington State. We acknowledge it is legal at a red light to turn left from a one way to a one way. But this is murkier. A cup of the best hot cocoa in Seattle is riding on the answer.
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12 Answers
No. Left turn is only legal from one way to one way. Let me find something to back me up...
andrew's correct at least in LA and the Northeast
Washington is one of three states that allow left turn on red from a two way-street to a one way.
From Washington State traffic Code, ?46.61.055(3)(a):
Vehicle operators facing a steady circular red signal alone shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection control area and shall remain standing until an indication to proceed is shown. However, the vehicle operators facing a steady circular red signal may, after stopping proceed to make a right turn from a one-way or two-way street into a two-way street or into a one-way street carrying traffic in the direction of the right turn; or a left turn from a one-way or two-way street into a one-way street carrying traffic in the direction of the left turn; unless a sign posted by competent authority prohibits such movement. Vehicle operators planning to make such turns shall remain stopped to allow other vehicles lawfully within or approaching the intersection control area to complete their movements. Vehicle operators planning to make such turns shall also remain stopped for pedestrians who are lawfully within the intersection control area as required by RCW 46.61.235(1).
Wow. I would be afraid to try! Nobody knows this rule--do the police know it?
Yeah you can
who knew it was only in three states! I did driver's ed in Washington, and have been left turning all over the place!
what are the other two states?
I brought this up the other day in our coffee club (which all McDonalds and doughnut shops have) with all of us seniors. I lived in Michigan for 53 years and am ALMOST sure that we had the law that you could turn left onto a one way street from a one way street. But we lived in a remote area and didnt really get to the cities to find out . Now live in Vermont and i got told i was full of it. that no state can you do it in. I need proof of EVERY state that allows it (if any)
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