I have another rant about driver’s not understanding the rules of the road. Or perhaps they just don’t think the rules apply to them. This if for all those who make turns at an intersection and believe they can use two lanes for their vehicle to make the turn. Some of them think that because they intend to turn again down the road it is okay for them to turn into the lane they want and not the lane the law maintains the turn is to be made in.

Perhaps the first paragraph is not clear enough. Then you may be one of those violators I am talking about. Let me give you a graphic picture.

You are in the right lane of a four lane road approaching another four lane road intersection. Each road has two lanes going in opposite directions. The street you are on is Cross Street and the Street you are approaching is Main St.

Cross St. has a red light and you are in the right (curb) lane and want to turn right onto Main St. There is no sign indicating “RIGHT TURN PROHIBITED ON RED”. As required by law you stop completely, see that there is no traffic in the right (curb) of Main St. so you make your right hand turn. However you have brand new tires on your Mini Cooper so you make a wide right turn using both lanes of Main St. You just broke the law and if you strike a vehicle in the left (closest to the center line) then you will be cited for Failure to yield the right of way.

Your right hand turn must be as close to the curb as possible. By using both lanes, you violate this law.

Now what about when turning left? The same rule applies. Your left hand turn onto Main St. must be as close to the center line as possible. Those of you who turn left directly into the curb lane have just violated the same law.

Both turns must be made in the proper lane then with a directional signal indicating a lane change, you should move over into the lane you want. Before you start arguing with me and claim the old sergeant is getting senile, read the Ohio Revised Code Section dealing with the turns at intersections.

4511.36 Rules for turns at intersections.

(A) The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall be governed by the following rules:

(1) Approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.

(2) At any intersection where traffic is permitted to move in both directions on each roadway entering the intersection, an approach for a left turn shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line thereof and by passing to the right of such center line where it enters the intersection and after entering the intersection the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection to the right of the center line of the roadway being entered.

To violate this section is a minor misdemeanor. However if you are cited for this section, you will catch two points on your license which insurance companies use to raise your rates. Of course if you follow the law, be a defensive driver and watch out for those who turn into the wrong lane and want to pass you, this can cause road rage with a road hog.

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