Turning left in Florida
Today, I was turning left from 466A into the Publix/gas station entrance.
As I got the green light to turn, there was a car on the other side of the road turning right. I was aiming for the right lane so I could turn into the gas station, while he was turning right from the other side.
We didn’t come close to an accident, but we both ended up pulling into the gas station parking lot to talk about it.
What frustrates me is that people who move to Florida don’t seem to understand Florida’s driving laws.
He didn't believe me because a 'cop' friend told him he had right of way and I wasn't supposed to turn into right lane.
Chapter 316 of the Florid Statute is vague and doesn't answer:
1. The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at an intersection onto a highway, public or private roadway, or driveway must approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of such vehicle and must make the left turn so as to leave the intersection in a lane lawfully available to traffic moving in such direction upon the roadway being entered.
BUT:
Florida DMV handbook clarifies it.
A left turn may be completed into any lane lawfully available or safe for the desired direction of travel. Diagrams addressing the different turning situations are in the Florida drivers handbook.
--
I will not get into 'feelings', it's the law. Also, the right always yields. So, if the law was different, the right still yields.
Wonder what others have thought on this topic. How many of you knew this?
|