Rules For The Shared Left-Turn Lane In Arizona - The Suicide Lane
http://www.lawsays.net/articles/8017/1/Rules-For-The-Shared-Left-Turn-Lane-In-Arizona---The-Suicide-Lane/Page1.html
Chris Zachar
Chris Zachar is a Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyer who has practiced law in Arizona since 1992. He graduated from Arizona State University in Tempe in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. In 1992, Chris graduated from the University of Arizona College of Law in Tucson with his Juris Doctor Degree. He is admitted to practice law in all city, county and state courts in Arizona. By Chris Zachar
Published on 07/2/2011
There is a reason why many people refer to the shared left-turn lane as the "suicide lane." Having a lane that is used by traffic moving in opposite directions can be inherently dangerous and can potentially result in "head-on" collisions resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
Car accident attorneys in Arizona: Available to assist you in the event of an accident involving the use of the shared left-turn lane/median lane/suicide lane/universal turn lane, etc...
There is a reason why many people refer to the shared left-turn lane as the "suicide lane." Having a lane that is used by traffic moving in opposite directions can be inherently dangerous and can potentially result in "head-on" collisions resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Additionally, the rules governing the use of the shared left-turn lane are some of the most controversial rules regarding transportation. Everyday people use the turning lane in ways in which they were not intended to be used. Thus, it is imperative to know the rules of the shared left-turn lane, and if involved in an accident caused by improper use of the lane, to consult an experienced car accident attorney in Arizona. Car accident attorneys in Arizona will be knowledgeable of the laws governing the shared left-turn lane and will be able to assist you in your case to ensure that you receive the just compensation you deserve.
What laws regulate the proper use of the shared left-turn lane?
The Arizona statute applicable for use of the universal turn lane is A.R.S. 28-751(4) which states:
4. Two-way left turn lanes. If a special lane for making left turns by drivers proceeding in opposite directions has been indicated by official traffic control devices:
(a) A driver shall not make a left turn from any other lane.
(b) A driver shall not drive a vehicle in the lane except if preparing for or making a left turn from or into the roadway or if preparing for or making a u-turn if otherwise permitted by law.
What is the proper use of the shared left-turn lane?
In Arizona, you may not use the universal turn lane for the purpose of regular roadway driving. You may only use it for the purpose of making a left turn, or preparing to make a left turn, ONTO or FROM a roadway. But a generally guideline used is that if you move into the lane and then pass a side street, then you have used the lane to drive rather than to turn left and you can get a ticket.
Can you use the universal turn lane when making a left-turn across opposing traffic?
A vehicle turning left onto the roadway may utilize the universal turn lane as a staging area by stopping and waiting for traffic proceeding in the same direction to clear before merging into the adjacent lanes of travel. It is not legal to use the lane for a rolling merge into traffic. To make a left turn into the roadway correctly, you must stop once you've made the turn into the shared left-turn lane.
The most controversial aspect to the use of these lanes is whether it is illegal to accelerate in the lane while trying to merge. You may find that different law enforcement agencies or judges in your area have opposing views on the correct use with regard to acceleration, so to be safe it is recommended that you do not use the universal turn lane as an "on-ramp". However, the Arizona Drivers License Manual explaining the universal turn lane does state:
"This lane is only for use of vehicles turning left in either direction. This lane provides a safe area to slow before a left turn off of the street, or to speed up after a left turn onto a street.
Keep in mind that when you are using the universal turn lane as such, your attention is focused in many directions. Often, this is how accidents happen. Whatever you decide, be prudent, and be careful
Can you use the center lane to pass other traffic?
It is illegal and dangerous to use the universal turn lane to pass other traffic. The lane is only designated for use when preparing for or making a left turn from or into a roadway.
Since the use of universal turn lane is especially complex, it is vital that you contact experienced car accident attorneys in Arizona if you are involved in an accident where you or the other driver utilized this lane. Often, these cases are fraught with opposing views, and litigation. Experienced car accident attorneys in Arizona can determine the best course of action to take in your case and determine whether you are entitled to bring or maintain a legal claim for your injuries and damages.
There is a reason why many people refer to the shared left-turn lane as the "suicide lane." Having a lane that is used by traffic moving in opposite directions can be inherently dangerous and can potentially result in "head-on" collisions resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Additionally, the rules governing the use of the shared left-turn lane are some of the most controversial rules regarding transportation. Everyday people use the turning lane in ways in which they were not intended to be used. Thus, it is imperative to know the rules of the shared left-turn lane, and if involved in an accident caused by improper use of the lane, to consult an experienced car accident attorney in Arizona. Car accident attorneys in Arizona will be knowledgeable of the laws governing the shared left-turn lane and will be able to assist you in your case to ensure that you receive the just compensation you deserve.
What laws regulate the proper use of the shared left-turn lane?
The Arizona statute applicable for use of the universal turn lane is A.R.S. 28-751(4) which states:
4. Two-way left turn lanes. If a special lane for making left turns by drivers proceeding in opposite directions has been indicated by official traffic control devices:
(a) A driver shall not make a left turn from any other lane.
(b) A driver shall not drive a vehicle in the lane except if preparing for or making a left turn from or into the roadway or if preparing for or making a u-turn if otherwise permitted by law.
What is the proper use of the shared left-turn lane?
In Arizona, you may not use the universal turn lane for the purpose of regular roadway driving. You may only use it for the purpose of making a left turn, or preparing to make a left turn, ONTO or FROM a roadway. But a generally guideline used is that if you move into the lane and then pass a side street, then you have used the lane to drive rather than to turn left and you can get a ticket.
Can you use the universal turn lane when making a left-turn across opposing traffic?
A vehicle turning left onto the roadway may utilize the universal turn lane as a staging area by stopping and waiting for traffic proceeding in the same direction to clear before merging into the adjacent lanes of travel. It is not legal to use the lane for a rolling merge into traffic. To make a left turn into the roadway correctly, you must stop once you've made the turn into the shared left-turn lane.
The most controversial aspect to the use of these lanes is whether it is illegal to accelerate in the lane while trying to merge. You may find that different law enforcement agencies or judges in your area have opposing views on the correct use with regard to acceleration, so to be safe it is recommended that you do not use the universal turn lane as an "on-ramp". However, the Arizona Drivers License Manual explaining the universal turn lane does state:
"This lane is only for use of vehicles turning left in either direction. This lane provides a safe area to slow before a left turn off of the street, or to speed up after a left turn onto a street.
Keep in mind that when you are using the universal turn lane as such, your attention is focused in many directions. Often, this is how accidents happen. Whatever you decide, be prudent, and be careful
Can you use the center lane to pass other traffic?
It is illegal and dangerous to use the universal turn lane to pass other traffic. The lane is only designated for use when preparing for or making a left turn from or into a roadway.
Since the use of universal turn lane is especially complex, it is vital that you contact experienced car accident attorneys in Arizona if you are involved in an accident where you or the other driver utilized this lane. Often, these cases are fraught with opposing views, and litigation. Experienced car accident attorneys in Arizona can determine the best course of action to take in your case and determine whether you are entitled to bring or maintain a legal claim for your injuries and damages.