California DMV Motorcycle Knowledge Test (M1)Rules of the Road and Impaired RidingEasy
A motorcyclist is riding on a multi-lane road and wishes to make a left turn. According to California law, from which position should the motorcyclist begin the turn?
- AFrom the center of the lane, regardless of its position.
- BFrom the leftmost lane available for traffic moving in the direction of travel, or as close as practicable to the left-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
- CFrom any lane as long as a turn signal is activated at least 100 feet prior to the turn.
- DFrom the rightmost lane closest to the center line.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. From the leftmost lane available for traffic moving in the direction of travel, or as close as practicable to the left-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
California Vehicle Code specifies that left turns from a two-way roadway into a two-way roadway must be made from the leftmost lane available to traffic moving in the direction of travel. This ensures predictability and safety for other road users.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Lane position within a lane is important, but the primary rule for turns specifies the lane itself first.
- C. While signaling is required, the correct lane position is also crucial and takes precedence over just signaling.
- D. This position is incorrect and would likely impede traffic flow or create a hazard.
Left Turn Lane Position
When making a left turn, a motorcyclist (and other drivers) must position their vehicle in the leftmost lane lawfully available for traffic moving in their direction.
- Ensures predictability for other drivers.
- Reduces risk of collisions during turns.
- Applies to both two-way and one-way streets into two-way streets.
Memory trick: Left Turns: Look, Line up Left, and Leave Safely.