California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Rules of the Road and Right-of-WayHard
You are driving on a two-way street and need to make a left turn at an intersection. There is an oncoming vehicle that has its turn signal on, indicating it also intends to turn left. Who has the right-of-way if both vehicles are signaling and approaching the intersection at the same time?
- AThe vehicle that is turning left from the larger street.
- BThe vehicle that is turning left must yield to the other vehicle also turning left.
- CBoth vehicles can turn simultaneously if there are no obstructions, passing each other's left side.
- DThe vehicle that enters the intersection first.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Both vehicles can turn simultaneously if there are no obstructions, passing each other's left side.
When two vehicles from opposite directions both intend to turn left at an intersection, they can often turn simultaneously, passing each other's left side (front-to-front). However, drivers must ensure their paths do not conflict and yield if necessary.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Street size does not determine right-of-way in this specific scenario.
- B. This is incorrect; simultaneous turns are often possible and expected.
- D. While generally true for through traffic, left turns are more complex.
Opposing Left Turns
When two opposing vehicles both intend to turn left at an intersection, they can often turn simultaneously by passing to the left of each other, provided their paths do not conflict.
- Requires careful assessment of paths.
- Common practice in many intersections.
- Always yield if there is any doubt about safety.
Memory trick: Opposite lefts, pass to the left, but always look.