More on turning
As is typical, traffic and driver topics previously explored in this column have generated some new reader inquiries.
J.H. remarked and asked, “My friends and I were discussing the intersection at 2nd and Thor the other day and couldn’t agree on whether or not the center lane heading west on 2nd could make a free left turn against the red light onto the Thor St. overpass. There’s no “No Turn on Red” sign there so I’m thinking it’s OK to make that turn. Turning from the center lane is complicated, watching the left turn lane cars jockeying to another southbound lane, and keeping an eye out for the fast moving cars coming from my right. I really think that a “No Turn on Red” sign might be a good idea there. Anyway, is it legal?”
I’m familiar with that intersection, and make left turns from that position all of the time since such turns are allowed by RCW 46.61.055. Among other provisions, that law allows a left turn upon red-light indication from a one-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.
In similar situations, if more than one lane is provided and designated for turns during green lights, then turns qualifying under the noted RCW are allowed during red lights (after stopping and verifying an absence of conflicting vehicle or pedestrian traffic).
The law makes no direct reference to allowing turns from multiple lanes, but whereas the turns are legal from those lanes upon green-light indication, it is implied and understood that those turns are also legal upon red-light indication when in accordance with provisions of RCW 46.61.055.
J.H. is correct that the line-of-sight to spot cross-traffic is not ideal there. Blocked vision and high-speed cross-traffic are the essential determiners for placing “No Turn on Red” signage by the Secretary of Transportation, and it could be argued that the location in question would qualify.
Regarding unmarked intersections, R.Y. wondered, “If I can see a car on my right I am to yield to that car. I can easily see four car lengths to the right of the intersection I go thru most often. If I yield to a car four car lengths down and that car is followed by a second car, do I yield to the second car also? How about a third car and more following? This is a residential intersection, 25 MPH.”
Yes, at unmarked intersections, once you have stopped to yield to traffic on your right, you must continue to yield to other vehicles in that region. After all, even though you were there first, the second or third vehicle can be at the intersection “approximately at the same time” as you while you are stopped, when, according to the law, you must yield.
If the speeds are slow, and you can safely proceed before the vehicle four car lengths away is a collision threat, then you may do so. It’s all a function of judging speed and distance, and whether you can stop and go before the vehicle on your right is present at the intersection at “approximately” the same time as you are.
And G.C queried, “Recently you stated it was polite to pull over and slow down on the shoulder for a right turn. I agree this is polite and I try to do it, but what about the intersections where the shoulder is lined off for no travel or not to be used as a turn lane? Do we break the law and pull over to slow down, or make all traffic come to a halt while we slow down making the turn from the travel lane?”
If use of the shoulder is prohibited by pavement markings or posted signage, one should not run afoul of the law just to be courteous to following vehicles.
Yes, in those cases, drivers will have to slow down in the travel lane to prepare for the turn. And yes, all of the following traffic must slow down accordingly (hopefully short of a full halt) to accommodate that turn.
Readers may contact Bill Love via e-mail at precisiondriving@spokesman.com.
