Turning + Braking

When turning, how do you interact with pedestrians, when do you start signaling, how do you change your speed, where do you stop, and where do you point your wheels before turning?

Yield for pedestrians, start signaling 100+ ft from your turn, slow down, stop behind the limit line (wide white line to stop at before a crosswalk/intersection), and keep your wheels straight until it’s safe to start turning (turned wheels could get you rear-ended, making it more difficult to move out of the intersection)

When and how can you make a right turn?

Use the right turn lane (if possible). You can drive in a bike lane w/in 200 ft of the turn. You can turn right at a non-arrow red light (exception: “no turn on red” sign). You can cross bus lanes to make a right turn only. If there’s a right turn lane (+ you can make a full right turn w/o stopping/changing lanes), you can turn right (unless there’s a traffic sign/light on the right curb of the right lane).

When and how can you make a left turn?

Use the left turn lane (if available). You can enter a 2-way center left turn lane within 200 ft of the turn (respect the right of way of anyone already in the lane). You can turn left against a red light when turning from one 1-way street to another (unless there are signs saying otherwise).

When CAN you make a U-turn?

You can make a U-turn when you’re signaling and using the left turn/far left lane, crossing a double yellow line, in a residential district (if no vehicles are approaching within 200 ft), or at an intersection on a green traffic light/green arrow (unless there’s a no U-turn sign).

When CAN’T you make a U-turn?

You can’t make a U-turn when you’re seeing a no U-turn sign, at/on a railroad crossing, on a divided highway (unless there’s a center divider), in front of a fire station, in business districts (the part of a city/town where businesses are most populated), or on a 1-way street.

How do you perform a left turn from a 2-way street?

Start the turn in the left lane closest to the middle of the street, and end the turn in the left lane closest to the middle of the street going in your direction.

How do you perform a right turn (simplified)?

Begin and end the turn in the lane closest to the right edge of the road.

How do you perform a left turn from a 2-way street onto a 1-way street?

Start the turn from the lane closest to the middle of the street (far left lane). If there are 3+ lanes in your direction, you can end your turn in any open lane.

How do you perform a left turn from a 2-way street onto a 2-way street?

Start the turn from the far left lane, and end the turn in the left lane closest to the middle of the street.

How do you perform a left turn from a 1-way street onto a 1-way street?

Start the turn from the far left lane. Bicycles can legally use the left-hand lane for their left turns. If there are 3+ lanes in your direction, you can turn in any open lane.

How do you perform a right turn from a 1-way street onto a 1-way street?

Start the turn in the far right lane. End the turn in any lane.

How do you perform a turn at a “T” intersection from a 1-way street onto a 2-way street?

Traffic going straight through the intersection has the right of way. You can turn right or left from the center lane.

How do you brake?

Remove your foot from the gas pedal/accelerator, allow the vehicle to slow down, and lightly press the brake until coming to a full stop. Leave enough room (between you and the person in front of you) for you to see their rear wheels.