Traffic Question

[rhood]

At intersections with stop lights, if I have a green light and am turning left, I nearly always pull into the intersection and continue my turn when oncoming traffic has cleared. I think the green light gives me permission to enter the intersection.
Others have said I should wait until oncoming traffic has cleared before I enter the intersection. If you choose one or the other, please tell me why you do what you do.
Is there a FL statute that covers this? Thanks

[BrianL99]

At intersections with stop lights, if I have a green light and am turning left, I nearly always pull into the intersection and continue my turn when oncoming traffic has cleared. I think the green light gives me permission to enter the intersection.
Others have said I should wait until oncoming traffic has cleared before I enter the intersection. If you choose one or the other, please tell me why you do what you do.
Is there a FL statute that covers this? Thanks

Absolutely you have the option. Where the issue starts, is if there's never a "break" in the oncoming traffic, so you never get to make the left turn and you're stuck blocking the intersection.

It's a judgement call.

[Stu from NYC]

Many years ago living in NYC I was taught to always pull into the intersection and proceed when clear.

I do not understand why others sit and block the turning lane

[Bill14564]

316.075(1)(a)2 seems to allow a vehicle to enter an intersection and then yield to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. This means you should be allowed to enter the intersection to make a left turn and then wait until there is a break in oncoming traffic.

[Bill14564]

Many years ago living in NYC I was taught to always pull into the intersection and proceed when clear.

I do not understand why others sit and block the turning lane

I remember being taught that I must not enter an intersection until it was clear for me to proceed. It appears that is/was not correct, at least in Florida.

The problem with this is it opens the possibility that a line of cars could enter the intersection on green but not be able to proceed when the light changes thus blocking the intersection for cross traffic.

[Davonu]

At intersections with stop lights, if I have a green light and am turning left, I nearly always pull into the intersection and continue my turn when oncoming traffic has cleared. I think the green light gives me permission to enter the intersection.
Others have said I should wait until oncoming traffic has cleared before I enter the intersection. If you choose one or the other, please tell me why you do what you do.
Is there a FL statute that covers this? Thanks
Your actions are correct. Green ball means left turner enters intersection and waits on appropriate opening to complete turn.

Traffic engineering is what I did for a living as a Professional Engineer in the State of Florida. Florida Statute 316.122 covers left turns in the state.

[BrianL99]

Your actions are correct. Green ball means left turner enters intersection and waits on appropriate opening to complete turn.

Traffic engineering is what I did for a living as a Professional Engineer in the State of Florida. Florida Statute 316.122 covers left turns in the state.

I think you're 100% right, but I have a Traffic Engineer question. I suspect the Highway Safety Manual, allows you to consider the space from the "stop" to the center of the intersection, a queue space? (maybe 1 or 2 cars?).

What's the solution when someone gets stuck blocking the intersection, because there's not sufficient break in the traffic for him to execute the turn?

[PJMac]

Until I recently moved to FL I would always move into the intersection on the green. In, FL that doesn’t work because of all the red light runners. It’s like the Wild West out there. Man how I wish there was some enforcement here.

[Bogie Shooter]

I think you're 100% right, but I have a Traffic Engineer question. I suspect the Highway Safety Manual, allows you to consider the space from the "stop" to the center of the intersection, a queue space? (maybe 1 or 2 cars?).

What's the solution when someone gets stuck blocking the intersection, because there's not sufficient break in the traffic for him to execute the turn?
When light changes finish the turn…….

[BrianL99]

When light changes finish the turn…….

Try that at the intersection of 466 & Rolling Acre road and you're dead.

[CarlR33]

The only disadvantage is if an emergency unit happens to come along while you’re sitting in the intersection. I normally get part way into the intersection not all the way.

[Laker14]

I remember being taught that I must not enter an intersection until it was clear for me to proceed. It appears that is/was not correct, at least in Florida.

The problem with this is it opens the possibility that a line of cars could enter the intersection on green but not be able to proceed when the light changes thus blocking the intersection for cross traffic.

Cross traffic will (should) wait for you to make the left turn before proceeding.

Important point: When you are in the intersection waiting for oncoming traffic to stop, DO NOT turn your wheel left until you make the turn. If you get rear-ended, you want to get pushed straight forward, NOT into oncoming traffic.

Also, it's dicey because oncoming traffic may run their red light, so you have to be certain that it has stopped before making your turn. Depending upon how late and egregiously the oncoming traffic runs the light, you might momentarily inconvenience the cross traffic. Not YOUR fault. That is the fault of the oncoming car(s) that ran their red light.

[VApeople]

I do not understand why others sit and block the turning lane

You don't have to understand. That is just how some of us like to drive.

When I am turning left at an intersection, I never pull forward until I can do the turn without stopping.

[jimhoward]

I think it depends on the region of the country. When I lived in the northeast, everybody pulled into the intersection and then turned either when traffic cleared and/or when the light turned stopping oncoming traffic.

When I lived in Tennessee it was the opposite. If you pulled into the intersection, and the light turned and then you completed the turn, you are liable to get a ticket. So people generally don't do that. It is probably also because so many people run red lights.

From what I have seen, Florida is more like the Northeast.

[Arctic Fox]

I suspect the Highway Safety Manual, allows you to consider the space from the "stop" to the center of the intersection, a queue space? (maybe 1 or 2 cars?).

What's the solution when someone gets stuck blocking the intersection, because there's not sufficient break in the traffic for him to execute the turn?

How much time does it take for 1 or 2 cars to execute the turn? If you are paying attention, then as soon as the approaching traffic stops, off you go. The cross traffic will still be sitting at amber lights. Why would they choose to jump those and side-swipe you?

[GladysM2024]

Legally you can’t enter an intersection unless you can go through it completely.

[BrianL99]

Legally you can’t enter an intersection unless you can go through it completely.

According to whom?

You can proceed under a "Green Light" at any time. That is the premises of traffic lights. Red is STOP. Green in proceed. Yellow is ... slow down & look around until it's safe.

[Keith1911]

I know in Miami you will get a ticket for what is called blocking.
Chapter 316 Section 2061 - 2021 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2021/0316.2061)
Hope this helps

[bmcgowan13]

Florida State Statute 316.075

c) Steady red indication.—
1. Vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until a green indication is shown;....

The intersection is defined by FSS 316.003
(34) INTERSECTION.—
(a) The area embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curblines or, if none, then the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two highways which join one another at, or approximately at, right angles; or the area within which vehicles traveling upon different highways joining at any other angle may come in conflict.

Basically, the intersection is what we all think it is...continue the edge of the other roadway....

You cannot ENTER the intersection on a steady red signal. If you are already IN the intersection (past the cross walk or the edge of the intersection) you have to exit the intersection as soon as safely possible.

It is legal to "take the intersection" (go into the intersection) on a green or yellow signal but you have to exit as soon as you can.

[MicRoDrafting]

Absolutely you have the option. Where the issue starts, is if there's never a "break" in the oncoming traffic, so you never get to make the left turn and you're stuck blocking the intersection.

It's a judgement call.

As there is a minimum (3) second delay between the Red Traffic Light and the Crossing Green Light to Activate, there is sufficient time for the Left Turning Vehicle to Clear the Intersection…

HOWEVER, it is of course, Extremely Important to be Mindful of that one person that will Accelerate at the Yellow Light from the Opposite Direction …

… SO it is Definitely Important to make sure not to be Forward of Viewing the Traffic Light Sequence while Staged within the Intersection.

* the minimum (3) Second
Delay is an FDOT Standard
for Signalization Control

Current Transportation Engineering
Technician for the City of Ocala
Engineer’s Office in Public Works

[La lamy]

Always go forward with wheels still facing forward to wait for left turn.

One other issue regarding left turns is when there is a median on the street you are turning onto. When the car facing you is also turning left, you must turn AFTER you've passed that car facing you, NOT turn in front of them. Of course that applies only if they also go forward to wait for their left turn. Only turn left in front of the other left turning car when there is NO MEDIAN on the street you are turning onto, or if they didn't go forward to wait to turn..

[Trident2]

Your actions are correct. Green ball means left turner enters intersection and waits on appropriate opening to complete turn.

Traffic engineering is what I did for a living as a Professional Engineer in the State of Florida. Florida Statute 316.122 covers left turns in the state.
Florida traffic engineer, great! Can you explain why the lights are long enough to grown a beard? Thank you.

[Lanieb]

At intersections with stop lights, if I have a green light and am turning left, I nearly always pull into the intersection and continue my turn when oncoming traffic has cleared. I think the green light gives me permission to enter the intersection.
Others have said I should wait until oncoming traffic has cleared before I enter the intersection. If you choose one or the other, please tell me why you do what you do.
Is there a FL statute that covers this? Thanks
I used to teach drivers Ed. Yours is the correct way.

[nn0wheremann]

I remember being taught that I must not enter an intersection until it was clear for me to proceed. It appears that is/was not correct, at least in Florida.

The problem with this is it opens the possibility that a line of cars could enter the intersection on green but not be able to proceed when the light changes thus blocking the intersection for cross traffic.
When the light changes oncoming traffic stops and you then clear the intersection, so the folks in the cross street can procede.

[Bill14564]

Always go forward with wheels still facing forward to wait for left turn.

One other issue regarding left turns is when there is a median on the street you are turning onto. When the car facing you is also turning left, you must turn AFTER you've passed that car facing you, NOT turn in front of them. Of course that applies only if they also go forward to wait for their left turn. Only turn left in front of the other left turning car when there is NO MEDIAN on the street you are turning onto, or if they didn't go forward to wait to turn..

If I understand what you are saying then I believe the presence of the median does not matter, you should always go beyond the oncoming, left-turning vehicle before turning left yourself.

- The median just makes it more obvious that turning short isn't correct.
- Few people follow this rule
- This does not apply to roads with left-turn lanes and arrows

The reason for following your rule isn't about the median, it's about being able to see when it is safe to turn. If you turn short then the oncoming, left-turning vehicle blocks your view of oncoming traffic (and you block his). If you follow your rule and turn beyond them then both of you have an unobstructed view and can tell when it is clear to turn.

[crash]

I remember being taught that I must not enter an intersection until it was clear for me to proceed. It appears that is/was not correct, at least in Florida.

The problem with this is it opens the possibility that a line of cars could enter the intersection on green but not be able to proceed when the light changes thus blocking the intersection for cross traffic.

They won’t be blocking the intersection they finish their turn under the red light. They entered under the green. The problem arises when other people behind them enter under the red.

[Bill14564]

When the light changes oncoming traffic stops and you then clear the intersection, so the folks in the cross street can procede.

I cannot clear the intersection if there is a traffic backup on the road I am turning onto. In that case, I and everyone who entered the intersection behind me will be stuck in the intersection until there is space in the lane I am attempting to turn into.

Someone earlier mentioned 316.2061. A driver needs to consider both that and 316.075(1)(a)2 to determine whether they should enter the intersection to make a left turn in the presence of oncoming traffic.

[cfstoltz]

I have lived in Florida all my life.
You are correct. Even if you were still in the middle of the intersection, and the light turns red and then turn, you are turning legally.

[msilagy]

OMG - behind someone that does not pull into the intersection on green is maddening. Just remember to keep your wheels straight. And proceed when safe to do so!

[mraines]

At intersections with stop lights, if I have a green light and am turning left, I nearly always pull into the intersection and continue my turn when oncoming traffic has cleared. I think the green light gives me permission to enter the intersection.
Others have said I should wait until oncoming traffic has cleared before I enter the intersection. If you choose one or the other, please tell me why you do what you do.
Is there a FL statute that covers this? Thanks
After having lived in LA, I agree with you. This is the only way to get through an intersection.

[sjeffries]

I remember being taught that I must not enter an intersection until it was clear for me to proceed. It appears that is/was not correct, at least in Florida.

The problem with this is it opens the possibility that a line of cars could enter the intersection on green but not be able to proceed when the light changes thus blocking the intersection for cross traffic.

The cars that have correctly entered the intersection, past the white line, all have the right of way to make their left turn before cross traffic can move.

[Singerlady]

I am from ‘up north’. We always moved into the intersection to prepare to turn left. Don’t know about the Florida law. I should probably Google it.

[JohnnyT]

Many years ago living in NYC I was taught to always pull into the intersection and proceed when clear.

I do not understand why others sit and block the turning lane

I also pull into the intersection. I was taught that many years ago in NY. Also why do people, when making a left turn with an arrow turning onto a 2 or 3 lane road turn immediately into the right lane? I was taught to always turn into the closer lane and to move right if the lane is clear.

[Bill14564]

I also pull into the intersection. I was taught that many years ago in NY. Also why do people, when making a left turn with an arrow turning onto a 2 or 3 lane road turn immediately into the right lane? I was taught to always turn into the closer lane and to move right if the lane is clear.

I think this came up in the past and Florida law allows a driver to turn into either lane. [316.151(1)(b)1]

I was also taught to use the nearest lane and I haven't seen any reason to do anything else.

[randykw]

I've been easing into the intersection for 51 yrs. Never a problem.

[randykw]

I think you're 100% right, but I have a Traffic Engineer question. I suspect the Highway Safety Manual, allows you to consider the space from the "stop" to the center of the intersection, a queue space? (maybe 1 or 2 cars?).

What's the solution when someone gets stuck blocking the intersection, because there's not sufficient break in the traffic for him to execute the turn?

They finish their left turn when the light turns yellow (if safe) or red. Intersection is cleared.

[Heytubes]

As a former LEO in Florida, once you have control of the intersection, even if the light turns red, no violation. Keep your wheels straight to avoid a rear end head on collision. If you don’t enter the intersection if there’s heavy opposite traffic, bring a lunch.

[Chickx729]

I would avoid this whenever possible.
I have witnessed way too many drivers run through numerous yellow and especially red lights
Its simply way too dangerous in Florida. It's very common and the lack of use with turn signals would be another factor in my suggestion to avoid an accident.
Stay safe and wait until it's clear before entering the intersection.
Peggy
QUOTE=rhood;2420705]At intersections with stop lights, if I have a green light and am turning left, I nearly always pull into the intersection and continue my turn when oncoming traffic has cleared. I think the green light gives me permission to enter the intersection.
Others have said I should wait until oncoming traffic has cleared before I enter the intersection. If you choose one or the other, please tell me why you do what you do.
Is there a FL statute that covers this? Thanks[/QUOTE]

[Davonu]

As a former LEO in Florida, once you have control of the intersection, even if the light turns red, no violation. Keep your wheels straight to avoid a rear end head on collision. If you don’t enter the intersection if there’s heavy opposite traffic, bring a lunch.
Correct. Including the lunch part. :^)

Enter the intersection on green. When the light turns yellow/red, complete your turn after the opposing traffic stops.

[margaretmattson]

Cross traffic will (should) wait for you to make the left turn before proceeding.

Important point: When you are in the intersection waiting for oncoming traffic to stop, DO NOT turn your wheel left until you make the turn. If you get rear-ended, you want to get pushed straight forward, NOT into oncoming traffic.

Also, it's dicey because oncoming traffic may run their red light, so you have to be certain that it has stopped before making your turn. Depending upon how late and egregiously the oncoming traffic runs the light, you might momentarily inconvenience the cross traffic. Not YOUR fault. That is the fault of the oncoming car(s) that ran their red light.It has been my experience, drivers continuing forward at high speed even though they have a red light
is common. i believe I read that Florida has
more fatalities at intersections than other states. This is one of the reasons our car insurance is high.

For many years,
police cameras were installed at these dangerous intersections. If the camera caught your license plate not stopping at the red light, you received a hefty ticket in the mail.

I have lived in Florida over 40 years and
have witnessed a few of these intersection fatalities. Two were emergency vehicles with sirens moving at high speed through the intersection.

It takes mere seconds to wait until your path is clear. Protect you and your loved ones before entering the intersection. (even though you have the right of way) Do not trust oncoming traffic.

[dougawhite]

In a city with dense slow moving traffic in both directions of an intersection, you need to be aware not to "block the box". Here in The Villages we don't ever have such situations, except maybe at Morse & 44...

[VillagesDude]

Only one car may enter the intersection as long as there was a green light for that vehicle. Another vehicle may not enter the intersection regardless of there is a green light as long as another vehicle is there. If you do enter the intersection prior to the other vehicle clearing it, and the light turns red, the first vehicle is ok as it must clear the intersection; the second vehicle will be ticketed. Bottom line, you may not enter an intersection to turn left if another car is waiting.

[motherflippinpicker]

At intersections with stop lights, if I have a green light and am turning left, I nearly always pull into the intersection and continue my turn when oncoming traffic has cleared. I think the green light gives me permission to enter the intersection.
Others have said I should wait until oncoming traffic has cleared before I enter the intersection. If you choose one or the other, please tell me why you do what you do.
Is there a FL statute that covers this? Thanks

I do the same, always have regardless of what state I'm in. I don't know if it's legally correct but I don't think any LEO would ticket for that.

[CybrSage]

Current Transportation Engineering
Technician for the City of Ocala
Engineer’s Office in Public Works

Pfft...just because you are currently doing this for a living does not mean you know what you are doing! I am right because I FEEL right! ;)

Hopefully.that came across as it was intended, that you should be believed because this question is literally something you address in your job.

[Rainger99]

316.075(1)(a)2 seems to allow a vehicle to enter an intersection and then yield to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. This means you should be allowed to enter the intersection to make a left turn and then wait until there is a break in oncoming traffic.


(a) Green indication.—
1. Vehicular traffic facing a circular green signal may proceed cautiously straight through or turn right or left unless a sign at such place prohibits either such turn. But vehicular traffic, including vehicles turning right or left, shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk at the time such signal is exhibited.

[Bogie Shooter]

Always go forward with wheels still facing forward to wait for left turn.

One other issue regarding left turns is when there is a median on the street you are turning onto. When the car facing you is also turning left, you must turn AFTER you've passed that car facing you, NOT turn in front of them. Of course that applies only if they also go forward to wait for their left turn. Only turn left in front of the other left turning car when there is NO MEDIAN on the street you are turning onto, or if they didn't go forward to wait to turn..

:what:

[Bilyclub]

Only one car may enter the intersection as long as there was a green light for that vehicle. Another vehicle may not enter the intersection regardless of there is a green light as long as another vehicle is there. If you do enter the intersection prior to the other vehicle clearing it, and the light turns red, the first vehicle is ok as it must clear the intersection; the second vehicle will be ticketed. Bottom line, you may not enter an intersection to turn left if another car is waiting.

Totally wrong. If you’re past the white line and in the intersection before the red light you may proceed. There is no one car rule.

[Wondering]

Many years ago living in NYC I was taught to always pull into the intersection and proceed when clear.

I do not understand why others sit and block the turning lane
I agree with you. Drivers who don't proceed into the intersection hold up traffic!

[Topspinmo]

At intersections with stop lights, if I have a green light and am turning left, I nearly always pull into the intersection and continue my turn when oncoming traffic has cleared. I think the green light gives me permission to enter the intersection.
Others have said I should wait until oncoming traffic has cleared before I enter the intersection. If you choose one or the other, please tell me why you do what you do.
Is there a FL statute that covers this? Thanks


Single lanes ok, double lanes can be dangerous, triple lanes you are risk get hit by red light runners in right two lanes that blocks you vision by other car or cars that stopped. At some intersections that’s only way you can get across lanes full of traffic.

[Bilyclub]

Single lanes ok, double lanes can be dangerous, triple lanes you are risk get hit by red light runners in right two lanes that blocks you vision by other car or cars that stopped. At some intersections that’s only way you can get across lanes full of traffic.

I believe anything more than a single left turn lane will have the turn arrow only signal.

[Topspinmo]

I believe anything more than a single left turn lane will have the turn arrow only signal.


I was taking about lanes of traffic you have to navigate through to make left turn. They always that guy speeding down far right lane to beat light. You move to turn and get whacked

[kendi]

I remember being taught that I must not enter an intersection until it was clear for me to proceed. It appears that is/was not correct, at least in Florida.

The problem with this is it opens the possibility that a line of cars could enter the intersection on green but not be able to proceed when the light changes thus blocking the intersection for cross traffic.

If no opportunity to turn left upon entering intersection when Light turns yellow and oncoming traffic is stopped then turn left. Crossing traffic is required to wait for intersection to be clear before moving forward when light turns green.

[bowlingal]

as far as I know, you can't sit at the intersection in Florida, you must wait until traffic clears. But many people don't do that.

[kendi]

I was taking about lanes of traffic you have to navigate through to make left turn. They always that guy speeding down far right lane to beat light. You move to turn and get whacked

Defensive driving, wait till all are stopped before proceeding. No brainer. Cross traffic must wait till intersection is clear before proceeding

[BrianL99]

The cars that have correctly entered the intersection, past the white line, all have the right of way to make their left turn before cross traffic can move.

Can you provide any backup or a legal citation that says that?

[Nanshe]

Many years ago living in NYC I was taught to always pull into the intersection and proceed when clear.

I do not understand why others sit and block the turning lane


I sit in the turn lane bc too many people run red lights which causes a person to be caught in the middle when the light is red. Trying to be courteous.

[Nana2Teddy]

OMG - behind someone that does not pull into the intersection on green is maddening. Just remember to keep your wheels straight. And proceed when safe to do so!
Exactly! If everyone drove like some here are stating the left hand turn lane would never clear at a busy intersection because drivers would just be sitting in it waiting their turn that never comes. Plus, they’d have an ever growing long line of left turners behind them majorly p***ed off!

[Lisanp@aol.com]

You are doing it 100% correct! When others wait at the stop line for it to be completely clear before proceeding to initiate their turn it allows FEWER cars to make the left at a green light and leads to the issues with backups on the main roads.

[Nana2Teddy]

I agree with you. Drivers who don't proceed into the intersection hold up traffic!

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[vintageogauge]

If you don't pull into the intersection during busy times you may sit there for several lights and end up in the midst of road rage from behind you lol.

[Annie66]

Absolutely you have the option. Where the issue starts, is if there's never a "break" in the oncoming traffic, so you never get to make the left turn and you're stuck blocking the intersection.

It's a judgement call.

If I read your post correctly, this refers to a turn with a signal light such as at Buena Vista and CR466A. Once the traffic light turns yellow, and even possibly red, you make the turn so as not to block the intersection.

My problem is with a second car who enters the intersection, tucking up close behind you.

[kingofbeer]

How much time does it take for 1 or 2 cars to execute the turn? If you are paying attention, then as soon as the approaching traffic stops, off you go. The cross traffic will still be sitting at amber lights. Why would they choose to jump those and side-swipe you?
I do not know what the law is. But in busy intersections, it is often safer to sit back and wait at the stop bar then linger in the middle of the intersection and hope that you make the light before it turns red.

[kingofbeer]

If you don't pull into the intersection during busy times you may sit there for several lights and end up in the midst of road rage from behind you lol.
How could that be if you are the first car in the line of cars waiting?

[Bill14564]

Totally wrong. If you’re past the white line and in the intersection before the red light you may proceed. There is no one car rule.

The cars that have correctly entered the intersection, past the white line, all have the right of way to make their left turn before cross traffic can move.

Can you provide any backup or a legal citation that says that?

316.075(1)(a)1 or 2 allows vehicles to enter the intersection to begin their left turn while they yield to oncoming traffic.

316.2061 allows traffic to enter the intersection as long as they don't block other traffic or the crosswalk.

Cars that have correctly entered the intersection can finish their turn. However, cars do not correctly enter the intersection if they block traffic or the crosswalk. There is no one car rule but if there is no room for car #2 to enter the intersection without blocking left turns from the oncoming traffic then only one car can properly enter the intersection.

[coleprice]

Absolutely CORRECT & Thoughtful!!! Cars making a left turn on a green light should enter the intersection, which allows other cars behind them to follow behind them. Then, the car(s) should make their left turn when oncoming traffic does not pose a risk. This allows more cars to safely make left turns on a green light. Additionally, it is safer to start to make your left turn from the middle of the intersection because you are better able to judge when it is safe to do so from that position.

[Bilyclub]

316.075(1)(a)1 or 2 allows vehicles to enter the intersection to begin their left turn while they yield to oncoming traffic.

316.2061 allows traffic to enter the intersection as long as they don't block other traffic or the crosswalk.

Cars that have correctly entered the intersection can finish their turn. However, cars do not correctly enter the intersection if they block traffic or the crosswalk. There is no one car rule but if there is no room for car #2 to enter the intersection without blocking left turns from the oncoming traffic then only one car can properly enter the intersection.

You are not blocking the crosswalk because that crosswalk has the red light. 2 cars can easily fit past the solid white line in most intersections. Those laws are on the books for when traffic is backed up on the other side of the intersection and there is no place to go.

[Bill14564]

You are not blocking the crosswalk because that crosswalk has the red light. 2 cars can easily fit past the solid white line in most intersections. Those laws are on the books for when traffic is backed up on the other side of the intersection and there is no place to go.

You read it your way and I'll read it mine.

When that second car easily fits past the solid white line but is sitting in the travel lane where it blocks oncoming vehicles from completing their left turn then it seem to me that it would be in violation of the section of 316.2061 that reads, "...without obstructing the passage of other vehicles..."

[jimjamuser]

At intersections with stop lights, if I have a green light and am turning left, I nearly always pull into the intersection and continue my turn when oncoming traffic has cleared. I think the green light gives me permission to enter the intersection.
Others have said I should wait until oncoming traffic has cleared before I enter the intersection. If you choose one or the other, please tell me why you do what you do.
Is there a FL statute that covers this? Thanks
Do NOT enter the intersection. Stay back or the line until traffic clears.

[Stu from NYC]

Do NOT enter the intersection. Stay back or the line until traffic clears.

This is why nobody would want to be behind you at a turning lane going left.

[Jeremy#1]

At intersections with stop lights, if I have a green light and am turning left, I nearly always pull into the intersection and continue my turn when oncoming traffic has cleared. I think the green light gives me permission to enter the intersection.
Others have said I should wait until oncoming traffic has cleared before I enter the intersection. If you choose one or the other, please tell me why you do what you do.
Is there a FL statute that covers this? Thanks

Drivers Ed many, many years ago indicated to take possession of the intersection and turn left when traffic clear or light allows to complete the turn.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

Gee. I wonder why Florida is more like the northeast?🤔🧐

[DonnaNi4os]

If you go into the intersection before traffic has cleared you could find yourself right in the center as the light changes. For that reason you should wait until the intersection is clear. Notice that I said you should and I think cars behind anyone waiting will end up having angry drivers behind them resulting in horn blowing, “birds” flying, and road rage.

[Davonu]

If you go into the intersection before traffic has cleared you could find yourself right in the center as the light changes….
Exactly as it is supposed to work…then you complete your left turn when the opposing traffic stops.

[rhood]

Only one car may enter the intersection as long as there was a green light for that vehicle. Another vehicle may not enter the intersection regardless of there is a green light as long as another vehicle is there. If you do enter the intersection prior to the other vehicle clearing it, and the light turns red, the first vehicle is ok as it must clear the intersection; the second vehicle will be ticketed. Bottom line, you may not enter an intersection to turn left if another car is waiting.

Please cite the statute that covers this?

[LoisR]

Coming from NY, this is what we were always told to do: Entercthe inspection and wait to turn.
In Florida. We've seen many people just wait at the intersection for the green light to proceed. Is it old age or fear? To find out, I twice spoke with a Sumpter Cty. Deputy. Both said as long as you dont impede traffic, either is fine.

[Stu from NYC]

Exactly as it is supposed to work…then you complete your left turn when the opposing traffic stops.

Making up your own traffic ideas huh

[Davonu]

Making up your own traffic ideas huh
If basing my ideas on Florida statutes and 25 years of traffic engineering experience is making up my own traffic ideas, then…yes.

[Stu from NYC]

If basing my ideas on Florida statutes and 25 years of traffic engineering experience is making up my own traffic ideas, then…yes.

Statute says we can go into intersection and until we are safe to complete left turn than yes you are making up your own ideas.

[BrianL99]

If basing my ideas on Florida statutes and 25 years of traffic engineering experience is making up my own traffic ideas, then…yes.

Professional expertise holds no sway on TOTV.

Thanks for your answer. Having spent $100,000's on Traffic Studies, I have a pretty good clue how it all works, which is why I asked about Queues and what the US Highway Safety Manual says about such intersections and how they're supposed to work.


Whatever you do, stay away from LOS, Queue times, turning radii and the rest of it. You'll be pummeled by someone who learned traffic engineering behind the wheel of a '75 Honda Accord.

[Bonanza]

The only disadvantage is if an emergency unit happens to come along while you’re sitting in the intersection. I normally get part way into the intersection not all the way.

If an emergency vehicle is on the way, you will either hear it or see it well in advance of your turn.

[Win1894]

The cars that have correctly entered the intersection, past the white line, all have the right of way to make their left turn before cross traffic can move.
Agree. This may be the Fl statute that covers it which is the same as in NJ and Indiana:

FL Statute 316.121  Vehicles approaching or entering intersections.—
(1) The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway.

[BrianL99]

Agree. This may be the Fl statute that covers it which is the same as in NJ and Indiana:

FL Statute 316.121  Vehicles approaching or entering intersections.—
(1) The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway.

Except that is not applicable to the situation in question. Note the last 7 words:

"entered the intersection from a different highway".

In this case, we're talking about a vehicle entering the intersection, from the same road as the opposing traffic.

[rhood]

Only one car may enter the intersection as long as there was a green light for that vehicle. Another vehicle may not enter the intersection regardless of there is a green light as long as another vehicle is there. If you do enter the intersection prior to the other vehicle clearing it, and the light turns red, the first vehicle is ok as it must clear the intersection; the second vehicle will be ticketed. Bottom line, you may not enter an intersection to turn left if another car is waiting.

Please cite the statute that covers this.

[J1ceasar]

The trouble is a lot of midwesterners are too polite to do that. I grew up also in New Jersey and New York and would not hesitate to do that of course when I did that in LA the guy in front of me decided to stop and I got a ticket

[VApeople]

After all is said and done, I guess we are going to do whatever we feel like doing.

In my case, I wait behind the white line until the traffic is clear, and then I make my turn left.

Other people like to pull out into the middle of the road, wait for awhile, and then make their turn.

Either way is OK, in my opinion. We just should not expect everyone to act exactly like we choose to.