That left turn into an intersection may not be the right move, says Texas law. Why not?
Things would be a lot simpler if there was only a green arrow for left turns.
However, the yellow left turn arrow across an intersection allows for more cars to move on and less traffic. These turns can be tricky, in which drivers have to decide when the best time to go is.
Some may creep out into the intersection which can raise the question, is that legal?
The Texas Transportation Code outlines all you need to know about left turns through an intersection in Texas.
What Texas law says about yielding in an intersection
According to the Texas Transportation Code 545.302, a vehicle may not stop, stand, or park in an intersection unless it is to avoid conflict with other traffic. What this means is it is perfectly legal to wait for a left turn in the middle of an intersection.
“In this case, subsection F of the code makes an exception “if the avoidance of conflict with other traffic is necessary,” says The Texas Highway Man. “If you were to turn left in front of oncoming traffic, that would be conflicting with that traffic.”
In fact, The Texas Highway Man argues that waiting in an intersection reduces everyone’s traffic wait times. and puts drivers in a better position to squeeze into smaller gaps.
“For every car that makes it through the intersection each cycle, that’s one less car idling in line. The more people that do this, the more the benefit compounds. At large intersections, multiple cars could turn when the light turns red, making the line that much shorter during the next cycle,” The Texas Highway Man says.
What happens if the light turns red while you’re in the intersection?
If the light turns red while you are in the intersection, the best thing to do is wait for traffic to clear and then turn.
This would not be considered running a red light because you entered the intersection when the light was green, according to The Texas Highway Man. By law, other traffic must also allow you to complete your turn.
How to know if you’re going to block an intersection
Sometimes, cars will be waiting at intersections in bumper-to-bumper traffic. If this is the case, do not enter the intersection unless you can vacate it immediately once the light turns red.
Unfortunately, this is a matter of common sense. Use your best judgment to determine if you can cross the intersection.
Penalties for failure to yield the right of way
Those who do not yield the right of way may be faced with a citation. It really depends on the damage done. However, if someone other than the driver is injured, charges could be up to $2,000.