It would be a lot easier if there was only a green arrow for left turns.
However, the yellow arrow pointing to the left at an intersection ensures that more cars can pass through and less traffic. These turns can be tricky, with drivers having to decide when is the best time to go.
Some may sneak into the intersection, which may raise the question: Is that legal?
The Texas Transportation Code outlines everything you need to know about left turns at an intersection in Texas.
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What Texas law says about yielding at an intersection
According to Texas Transportation Code 545.302, a vehicle may not stop, stand, or park at an intersection unless it is intended to avoid conflict with other traffic. This means that it is perfectly legal to wait in the middle of an intersection for a left turn.
“In this case, subsection F of the code makes an exception “if avoiding conflict with other traffic is necessary,” says The Texas Highway Man. “If you were to turn left in front of oncoming traffic, it would be against that traffic.”
The Texas Highway Man even claims that waiting at an intersection reduces traffic wait times for everyone. and puts drivers in a better position to close smaller gaps.
“For every car that passes the intersection each cycle, there is one less car idling in the queue. The more people do this, the greater the benefits. At major intersections, multiple cars can turn when the light turns red, making the line much shorter during the next cycle,” says The Texas Highway Man.
What happens if the light turns red while you are at the intersection?
If the light turns red while you are at the intersection, it is best to wait until traffic clears and then turn.
According to The Texas Highway Man, this is not considered running a red light because you entered the intersection when the light was green. By law, you must also allow other traffic to complete your turn.
How do you know if you are going to block an intersection?
Sometimes there are cars waiting at intersections in bumper-to-bumper traffic. If this is the case, do not enter the intersection unless you can leave the intersection immediately as soon as the light turns red.
Unfortunately, this is a matter of common sense. Use your common sense to determine whether you can cross the intersection.
Penalties for failure to give way
Those who do not give priority may face an official report. It really depends on the damage done. However, if someone other than the driver is injured, costs can be up to $2,000.
