If you drive a car or motorcycle, you are required to know the rules of the road regarding the operation of motor vehicles. Because most of us become rusty between driver's license renewal exams, here is a refresher course on one important aspect of Arizona's driving laws, turns.
Beginning a turn:
- Right turns—You are required to be as close as practical to the right side of the street before you begin a right turn.
- Left turns—You must be in the extreme left-hand lane available for left turns before beginning your turn.
Method of turning:
- Right turns—You are required to turn as close as practical to the right side of the street onto which you are turning. If there is more than one lane of traffic in your direction, this means you must remain in the right lane throughout your turn.
- Left turns—You must turn into the lane closest to the left. On a street with traffic moving in two directions, this means the lane nearest the center line.
Turning signals:
If there is other traffic near you on either street, you must signal before turning or changing lanes. Your signal can be given by using the mechanical turn signals in your car or by using standard arm signals. If your vehicle is constructed or loaded in such a way that arm signals are not clearly visible from the front and back of your vehicle, you must use mechanical signals.
Turn signals must be given continuously for no less than 100 feet before the turn is made.
Turning on curves or hills:
You may not do a U-turn on a curve or on a hill, unless your car can be seen for at least 500 feet by drivers traveling in either direction.
An overriding consideration in Arizona’s traffic laws is that all maneuvers must be made safely. Never insist on claiming the right-of-way when confronted by a driver who is disobeying the rules of the road. Follow the rules, but drive defensively. |
