Photo: Chicken4War, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A two-way left-turn lane is the centre lane shared by left-turning traffic from both directions. In Canada, you signal, move into it shortly before your turn, slow down, wait opposite the street or driveway you want, and turn when it is clear. It is not a passing lane or a driving lane. Saskatchewan’s handbook adds that where one is provided, you may not turn left from any other lane.
How to use a two-way left-turn lane, step by step
- Check mirrors and signal left.
- Enter the centre lane close to your turn. Ontario says “shortly before your turn”. Saskatchewan says enter only at the point next to the property you want to reach.
- Slow down and move up to a spot opposite the road or driveway (Ontario).
- Watch for drivers coming the other way who are using the same lane to turn left. When they wait in front of you, they can block your view of oncoming traffic (Ontario, BC).
- Turn only when the way is clear.
Turning left out of a driveway
Saskatchewan’s SGI handbook says that when leaving a driveway or parking lot, you pick a gap, then drive through the centre turning lane and into the first available driving lane as quickly as possible. You do not sit in the centre lane and then merge later.
What you must not do in a centre turn lane
- Use it to pass (Ontario, Saskatchewan).
- Use it as a driving lane (Saskatchewan).
- Enter it far from where you will turn. Alberta’s Driver’s Guide says to enter only close to where you will be turning.
- Turn left from another lane where a centre turning lane is provided (Saskatchewan).
How far can you drive in a two-way left-turn lane?
Provincial handbooks (Ontario, BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, NWT) describe the position rather than a distance in metres: enter shortly before, or next to, the place you are turning. If you see a figure quoted online, check it against your provincial handbook or traffic act before relying on it. Always follow the signs and markings on the road.
How to recognize a two-way left-turn lane
- A centre lane marked by a solid line and a broken line on each side. ICBC notes the markings may be reversed: solid lines inside the broken lines.
- A sign showing opposing left-turn arrows (Saskatchewan shows this sign in its handbook).
- Alberta’s guide notes you may cross the solid yellow line to enter the lane.
Study the pavement markings chapter of your provincial handbook so you can spot these lanes on the knowledge test.
Dual (multiple) turning lanes
At large intersections there may be two lanes turning left or two turning right. The usual rule is the same: stay in your lane through the turn and finish in the matching lane.
| Handbook | What it says |
|---|---|
| BC (ICBC) | Read the pavement markings, lane-use signs and signals. Turning from the far-left lane, finish in the far-left lane; from the lane next to it, finish in the lane next to the far-left lane. |
| Northwest Territories | Approach in one of the marked lanes and turn into the corresponding lane. Dual turns are allowed only where indicated. Never swing wide or change lanes, because another vehicle could be turning beside you. |
| Alberta | The Driver’s Guide describes dual left and dual right turn lanes the same way: approach in the marked lane, turn into the matching lane, no swinging wide or changing lanes in the intersection. |
| Ontario | Where left-turn lanes are marked, turn from the marked lane and keep that lane position as you turn onto the other road. |
Scenario
You are in the inside (left) of two left-turn lanes. Halfway through the turn you realize you need the right lane on the new road. Finish the turn in the left lane, then signal, check your mirror and blind spot and change lanes once you are on the new road. Cutting across during the turn is exactly what the NWT manual warns against.
Regular left-turn lanes
A single marked left-turn lane at an intersection lets you wait for a gap without holding up through traffic. ICBC says use the lane with the arrows only if you are turning left. For how to judge gaps and who yields, see the intersection guides for your province:
- Driving through Ontario intersections
- BC rules of the road
- Alberta intersections and right of way
- Saskatchewan rules of the road study guide
- NWT Driver’s Manual study guide
Other provinces: check your provincial handbook. For the full licensing path, start at learning to drive in Canada.
Sources
- Government of Ontario, “The Official MTO Driver’s Handbook: Changing directions” (ontario.ca)
- ICBC, “Learn to Drive Smart” (icbc.com)
- SGI, “Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook” (sgi.sk.ca)
- Government of the Northwest Territories, “NWT Driver’s Manual: Basic” (idmv.inf.gov.nt.ca)
- Government of Alberta, “Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing” (open.alberta.ca)