Turns from unmarked lanes

[1995hoo]

See Street View link below.

After you make the left turn at the light shown, there are either two or three lanes available depending on whether rush-hour parking restrictions are in effect. The question is: Is it legal to turn left (or right, for that matter) from the unmarked center lane? Lots of people do–I'd estimate during rush hour more people go left from that lane than go straight–and I've always wondered about the legality of that movement.

(I recognize the answer to this could vary by jurisdiction.)

http://goo.gl/maps/ojo6w


(Post edited to change the first word of the second sentence from "When" to "After" to clarify what I meant by the reference two or three lanes being available.)

[jeffandnicole]

In most cases, the law is you must turn left from the left most lane, and turn right from the right most line.  If there is signage and/or lane markings indicating more than one lane can turn, then it's legal as per the signage/lane markings shown.

In this case, straight appears to be the only legal option from the center lane.  If it's permitted otherwise, that's fine.  If an accident were to occur then they'll have to look at the movements and decide who's at fault based on the actual law.

[Brandon]

See Street View link below.

When you make the left turn at the light shown, there are either two or three lanes available depending on whether rush-hour parking restrictions are in effect. The question is: Is it legal to turn left (or right, for that matter) from the unmarked center lane? Lots of people do–I'd estimate during rush hour more people go left from that lane than go straight–and I've always wondered about the legality of that movement.

(I recognize the answer to this could vary by jurisdiction.)

http://goo.gl/maps/ojo6w

In the Midwest, I would say no.  It is not specifically marked for turning by a sign or by pavement markings.