Here’s how far you should travel in a center lane before making a left turn

Trooper Steve answers Florida traffic questions

ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions and shares tips about the rules of the road, helping Central Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.

Trooper Steve on Tuesday was asked, “Are you supposed to travel down the center turn lane to make your turn?”

[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]

“A center continuous turn lane is not a continuous travel lane,” Trooper Steve said. “It is a turn lane that is placed to divide different directions of travel and allows a driver a safe place to pull into, in order to make a left turn.”

The center continuous turn lane should be treated the same way as you would treat any turn lane. 

“A driver should prepare to pull into the lane no more than 100 feet prior to when they want to make a left turn,” Trooper Steve said. “This is not a travel lane to be used to pass other traffic or to simply go around other traffic.”

A driver should also reduce their speed when entering the center turn lane as opposing traffic has the same use of the lane, he added.

If you have a question for Trooper Steve, submit it here.

For more Ask Trooper Steve content, click or tap here.


About the Authors

Steven Montiero, better known as “Trooper Steve," joined the News 6 morning team as its Traffic Safety Expert in October 2017. A Central Florida native and decorated combat veteran, Montiero comes to the station following an eight-year assignment with the Florida Highway Patrol.

Daniel started with WKMG-TV in 2000 and became the digital content manager in 2009. When he's not working on ClickOrlando.com, Daniel likes to head to the beach or find a sporting event nearby.

Recommended Videos